It’s hard to deny the appeal of a martini. From the conical-shaped glass to the elegant garnishes, it exudes sophistication and can command attention from across the room. But aside from its appearance, the martini also feels elegant to sip. Whether vodka with clean flavors or gin with briny aromas, it sets the tone for your palate with simple flavors.

You could say that the classic recipe is like a clean slate, primed for remixing to fit any preference. One of the easiest ways to shake up (pun fully intended) the classic is with a garnish. For example, you can use green olives stuffed with blue cheese for a salty and tangy feel or opt for grapefruit rinds and citrus oils for a softer sip. There are lots of options to choose from and interesting ways to make the martini unique. Below, we’ve gathered six cool takes on the classic that deserve some attention.

Vesper Martini

If you’ve ever had the pleasure of drinking a Vesper martini, you know it’s one of the chicest cocktail orders. Completely clear and spirit-forward, it’s a strong sip that goes down smoothly when made just right.

Ingredients 

• 3 ounces gin
• 1 ounce vodka
• 1/2 ounce Lillet Blanc
• Lemon peel for garnish

Instructions

1. Add gin, vodka, and Lillet into a shaker with ice, then shake vigorously to mix.
2. Once mixed and well-chilled, strain the martini into a chilled glass.
3. Twist lemon peel over the drink to release the oils and rub along the rim before placing in the cocktail.

Smokey Rosemary Martini

Now that we’re deep into fall, it’s time to embrace the smokey, earthier notes of the season. This martini adds hints of both to a briny version of the cocktail to create the ultimate savory sip.

Ingredients 

• 2 1/2 ounces gin
• 1/2 ounce dry vermouth
• 1/4 ounce olive brine
• 2 drops of olive oil
• Fresh rosemary sprig and olive for garnish

Instructions

1. In a safe space, light the rosemary sprig on fire and place glass on top so the smoke fills the glass.
2. Add gin, vermouth, and olive brine to a glass with ice and stir until chilled.
3. Strain the martini into the glass.
4. Add a few drops of olive oil and garnish with a fresh piece of rosemary and one olive.

Lemon Drop Martini

Lemon drops are a treat, whether served after dinner or during cocktail hour. This recipe makes it easy by substituting simple syrup for a teaspoon of superfine sugar. The trick is to shake the contents well to ensure the sugar dissolves fully into the cocktail.

Ingredients

• 2 ounces vodka
• 3/4 ounce of Cointreau or triple sec
• 1 ounce lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon of superfine sugar
• Lemon twist for garnish

Instructions

1. Add all of the ingredients to a shaker with ice and shake vigorously until well-mixed.
2. Coat the rim of the glass with lemon juice (and add sugar if desired).
3. Strain the martini into the glass and garnish with lemon twist.

Pink Gin Martini

This pretty cocktail packs a punch of botanical flavors. The star of the recipe is the pink gin, which is traditionally made with Plymouth gin and bitters and has a distinct herbal taste. But those who prefer a different bouquet can swap out the classic pink gin with a more floral and citrus-forward style.

Ingredients

• 3 ounces pink gin
• 1/2 ounce dry vermouth
• Grapefruit rind for garnish

Instructions

1. Add all of the ingredients to a shaker with ice and shake vigorously until well-mixed.
2. Once mixed and well-chilled, strain martini into a chilled glass.
3. Twist grapefruit rind over the drink to release the oils and rub along the rim before placing in the cocktail.

Saketini

Adding sake to a martini brings some interesting umami notes to the cocktail. You can choose to keep it light and floral or opt for a richer-flavored sake with savory and earthy aromas.

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 ounces gin or vodka
• 1/2 ounce of sake
• Splash of dry vermouth

Instructions

1. Add all of the ingredients to a glass with ice and stir until well-mixed.
2. Strain the martini into the glass.

Classic Martini

The simple recipe is as timeless as the glass itself. Whether ordered shaken or stirred, it always creates an elegant cocktail to open or close the night.

Ingredients 

• 2 1/2 ounces gin or vodka
• 1/2 ounce dry vermouth
• Lemon twist for garnish

Instructions

1. Add all of the ingredients to a shaker with ice and shake vigorously or stir until well mixed.
2. Strain the martini into a chilled glass and garnish with lemon twist.