5 Unique Martinis to Shake Up Your Next Cocktail Hour

Espresso and dirty martinis are everywhere right now, but why stop there?

The martini has always been a symbol of elegance and reinvention, and today’s bartenders are pushing its boundaries with bold twists and unexpected flavors. From tropical riffs and low-ABV options to whiskey – and rum-based variations, these inventive martinis prove the classic recipe is more versatile than ever. Whether you’re craving something bright and citrusy, rich and indulgent, or refreshingly light, this lineup offers a fresh way to raise a glass and rediscover the martini.

Amaro, Whiskey

Paper Plane

Ingredients

• ¾ oz. Sagamore Small Batch Rye Whiskey
• ¾ oz. Aperol
• ¾ oz. Lemon Juice
• ¾ oz. Amaro
• Lemon (for garnish)

Preparation

1. Combine Sagamore Small Batch Rye Whiskey, Aperol, lemon juice, and Amaro into a mixing jar.
2. Add ice and stir.
3. Strain into a coupe glass and garnish with a lemon twist.

Rum

Rum Lemondrop

by Lee Corbett - @TheRogueBrusselSprout

Ingredients

• Granulated Sugar (for preparing the glass)
• 2 oz. Kōloa Kauaʻi White Rum
• ½ oz. Limoncello
• 1 oz. Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice
• 1 oz. Simple Syrup
• Lemon Wheel (for garnish)

Preparation

1. Dip the rim of a coupe glass in water, then in granulated sugar to coat.
2. Set aside to dry.
3. In a cocktail shaker, combine the rum, limoncello, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
4. Shake with ice until well chilled.
5. Strain into the prepared coupe glass and garnish with a lemon wheel.

Liqueur, Rum

Rum Espresso Martini

Ingredients

• 1 ½ oz. Don Q Reserva 7 Rum
• 1 oz. Espresso shot
• ½ oz. Kahlúa®
• ½ oz. Toasted Coconut Syrup*

Preparation

1. Shake all the ingredients vigorously.
2. Double strain into a cocktail glass.
3. Garnish with coffee beans.
4. Flavor with sugar to taste.

*Toasted Coconut Syrup

---

Ingredients

• 1 cup Sugar
• 1 cup Water
• 1 cup Shredded Coconut

Preparation

1. Toast coconut in a pan on low heat until golden brown, being careful not to burn it.
2. Add toasted coconut to a saucepan with sugar and water, and bring to boil, stirring until sugar is dissolved.
3. Remove from heat, cool, and fine strain into an airtight container.
4. Store in the fridge for up to 2 months.

Gin, Non-Alcoholic, Vermouth

Fluère Dry Martini (Low-ABV)

Ingredients

• 1 ¾ oz. FLUÈRE Botanical
• 1 ¾ oz. Dry Vermouth
• Dash of Orange Bitters
• Olive (for garnish)

Preparation

1. Add all ingredients into a mixing glass filled with ice.
2. Stir well until chilled, then strain into a chilled martini glass.
3. Garnish with an olive.

Amaro, Liqueur, Whiskey

The Dolcevita Cocktail

Ingredients

• 1 ¼ oz. Disaronno Originale
• ¾ oz. Rabarbaro Zucca
• ½ oz. The Busker Triple Cask Triple Smooth
• ¾ oz. Fresh Lemon Juice
• ¼ oz. Pineapple Juice
• Dash of Agave Syrup

Preparation

1. Add all the ingredients into a cocktail shaker.
2. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds until well chilled.
3. Strain into a coupe glass.
4. Serve and enjoy!