Classic Absolut Vodka Martini
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If you love a crisp, clean martini, this Absolut Vodka Martini recipe is for you! With just vodka, dry vermouth, and a simple garnish, you’ll have an easy, elegant cocktail that’s always a hit.

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Even though my sister and I don’t live in the same town, we love having a virtual happy hour a couple of times a month. A simple vodka martini is usually our go-to, but we also love mixing things up with a Cherry Whiskey Sour (made with homemade cherry simple syrup!) or a Tequila Gimlet with fresh lime juice — both are so easy and so good!
Why you will love this easy martini recipe
- Balanced and smooth flavor.
- Ready in minutes with just a few ingredients.
- Customize with your favorite garnish (lemon twist or olives).
Blue Cheese Olives or Lemon Twist
Blue cheese-stuffed olives add a salty, savory bite that pairs perfectly with the smooth vodka and vermouth. If you’re more of a citrus fan, a twist of lemon peel adds a fresh aroma and a pop of bright color to your martini.
Recipe Ingredients

Recipe Notes
- Absolut Vodka – Absolut Vodka is one of the premium vodka brands on the market. Other brands of vodka will work in this recipe.
- Dry Vermouth – If you like a dirty vodka martini, add a bit of olive brine to the cocktail shaker.
How to make an Absolut Martini

Step 1: Add Absolut vodka, dry vermouth, and ice to a cocktail shaker. Shake or stir and strain into a chilled martini cocktail glass.

Step 2: Garnish with blue cheese olives, green olives, or a twist of lemon.

FAQ
It’s often called a “bone dry” martini. You’re still making a vodka martini, but you either skip the vermouth completely or just swirl a tiny bit in the glass and pour it out before adding the vodka.
A dirty martini has olive brine mixed in with the vodka and vermouth, giving it a salty, savory flavor. A non-dirty (or classic) martini skips the brine and stays crisp and clean.
Technically, a martini isn’t served “neat.” In cocktail terms, “neat” means liquor served plain, with no ice, water, or mixers — just straight in the glass. Martinis are usually stirred or shaken with ice, then strained into a chilled glass.
An extra dry martini has little to no vermouth. Some bartenders will just coat the glass with vermouth and pour it out before adding the vodka, leaving you with a very crisp, vodka-forward drink.
Vodka Martini Variations
- Absolut Pineapple Martini – This cocktail is made by simply infusing pineapple into the vodka. Cut the pineapple into pieces and place in a pitcher, mason jar, or any glass container with vodka for three weeks. Throw out the pineapple (it will not taste good) and shake the vodka with ice. Delicious!
- Absolut Espresso Martinis – Makes the best after-dinner drink.
- Lemon Drop Martini – Skip the dry vermouth and green olives for fresh lemon juice, triple sec, simple syrup, and a lemon slice. It’s fun to rim the glass with sugar.
- Cranberry Vodka Martini – You’ll need a good vodka, cranberry juice, triple sec, and cranberries for garnish.
Did you make the recipe? Let us know what you thought by leaving a comment below and sharing it on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook! Thanks so much!
Recipe
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Absolut Vodka Martini Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 ½ ounces Absolut Vodka
- ½ ounces Dry Vermouth
- Green Olives, Blue Cheese Stuffed Olives Optional
- Lemon Twist Optional
- Ice
Instructions
- Add Absolut vodka, dry vermouth and ice to a cocktail shaker. Shake or stir and strain into a chilled martini cocktail glass.2 ½ ounces Absolut Vodka, ½ ounces Dry Vermouth
- Garnish with blue cheese olives, green olives, or a twist of lemon.Green Olives, Blue Cheese Stuffed Olives
Notes
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- Break out this classic martini recipe during the holiday season. It can be made ahead of time so that your guests can garnish and serve themselves, leaving you more time to mingle.
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- Be sure to use chilled cocktail glasses.
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- Choose high-quality ingredients. Absolut Vodka is a great choice for a smooth and crisp taste.
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- Keep the ingredients cold.
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- Strain and garnish: Strain the cocktail into a chilled martini glass and garnish with a lemon twist or olive. Run the lemon peel around the rim of the glass for an extra burst of flavor.
Couldn’t wait till Friday happy hour to try this recipe. Went with the savory stuffed creamy blue cheese olives. All time best martini!
The blue cheese olives are my favorite too!