Is there any cocktail more iconic—or more debated—than the martini? Whether you take yours shaken or stirred, bone dry or briny, vodka or gin (or both!), National Martini Day is the perfect excuse to raise a glass and experiment with your own perfect pour. On June 19th, we invite you to raise a glass to the cocktail that never goes out of style—and to the endless variations that make the martini such a playground for creativity. Whether you go classic, floral, spicy, or savory, there’s a martini here with your name on it.
The Martini: A Timeless Icon
Before we dive into the exciting world of variations, let's take a moment to appreciate the classic. The martini's origins are shrouded in delightful mystery, with various tales of its birth tracing back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. What's undisputed, however, is its enduring appeal. From Bond's "shaken, not stirred" to Hemingway's "Montgomery" (15 parts gin to 1 part vermouth, for the truly audacious), the martini has captured the imagination of drinkers for generations.
At its core, a classic martini is a symphony of gin (or vodka) and dry vermouth, chilled to perfection, and often garnished with an olive or a lemon twist. But don't let its apparent simplicity fool you; the devil, or rather, the divinity, is in the details. The quality of your gin or vodka, the freshness of your vermouth (remember, vermouth is wine and will spoil!), and the precision of your preparation all contribute to the final masterpiece.
The Foundation: Gin vs. Vodka
This is where the great debate begins, and truly, there's no right or wrong answer – only personal preference. For the purists, gin offers a botanical playground. The juniper-forward notes, often complemented by citrus, floral, or spice botanicals, create a complex and aromatic cocktail. A classic London Dry gin provides a crisp, assertive base, while Old Tom Gin offers a slightly sweeter, richer profile. Our Portland Dry Gin 33, known for its balanced juniper and citrus notes, is a fantastic choice for a traditional or contemporary gin martini.
For those who prefer a cleaner, smoother profile, vodka is your spirit of choice. The beauty of a vodka martini lies in its subtle elegance, allowing the vermouth and garnish to truly shine. Our grain-to-glass New Deal Vodka, made entirely from Oregon grains, delivers a delicate flavor complexity that lends itself to savory, briny martinis. Our Portland 90 Vodka, bottled at 90 proof, is an excellent option for a crisp and clean vodka martini.
The Vermouth Factor: More than Just a Rinse
Vermouth is the martini's unsung hero. It's not just a splash; it's a crucial component that bridges the gap between the spirit and the garnish, adding depth, aroma, and a touch of sweetness or bitterness. And no, it shouldn't just be "waved over the glass." Dry Vermouth is the traditional choice, offering a delicate herbal and slightly bitter note. It's the essential counterpoint to the juniper in gin or the crispness of vodka. Blanc Vermouth creates a slightly sweeter, more aromatic martini, adding delicate floral and vanilla notes. Cocchi Americano Bianco is an aromatized wine, similar to a Kina Lillet, that can bring a bright, bittersweet orange note to your martini, as seen in the Aromatized Vodka Martini.
Pro Tip: Always store your opened vermouth in the refrigerator to preserve its freshness and extend its life.
Stirred, Not Shaken (Mostly)
Unless you're channeling your inner secret agent, the vast majority of martinis should be stirred, not shaken. Stirring gently chills and dilutes the drink without aerating it, resulting in a silky-smooth texture and crystal-clear appearance. Shaking, on the other hand, introduces tiny air bubbles, which can make the drink cloudy and alter its mouthfeel.
Tips for Making a Great Martini at Home
Use fresh vermouth. It’s wine-based, so once opened, store it in the fridge and use within a few weeks.
Stir, don’t shake—unless you mean to. Shaking dilutes and clouds the cocktail. Stirring preserves the clarity and texture.
Chill everything. Cold glassware, cold ingredients, cold tools—this is key to achieving that crisp martini snap.
Garnish with intention. Olives, lemon twists, herbs—your garnish isn’t just visual, it adds aroma and flavor, too.
The Classic Recipes
Ready to stir things up? At New Deal, we believe that the martini is more than just a cocktail—it’s a canvas. Over the years, we’ve developed a collection of inventive, classic, and downright adventurous martini recipes designed to delight both purists and free spirits alike. Whether you’re a seasoned mixologist or a curious home bartender, these 15 recipes will inspire you to explore all the delicious possibilities the martini has to offer.
Let’s start with a staple. Our Classic Dirty Martini features Portland 90 Vodka, dry vermouth, and a healthy splash of olive brine. Garnish with a couple of olives and you’re in business. It's bold, briny, and unapologetically satisfying. Want to really treat yourself? Try garnishing with a mix of green and blue cheese-stuffed olives! Prefer your martini clean and crisp?
The New Deal Vodka Martini strips things down to the essentials—New Deal Vodka, dry vermouth, and a lemon twist. It’s an ode to simplicity and sophistication. For fans of a well-chilled sipper, the Gin 33 Freezer Martini is a make-ahead dream. Made with Portland Dry Gin 33, dry vermouth, and orange bitters, it’s designed to live in your freezer, ready to pour at a moment’s notice.
Beyond the Classics
Now, for the fun part! While the classic martini holds a special place, the world of martinis is vast and welcoming to experimentation. Here are some incredible variations, drawing inspiration from the innovative recipes designed by the New Deal Crew over the past two decades, to excite your palate this National Martini Day.
The Savory & Unexpected
Yes, you read that right: Feta Cheese-infused martinis! This adventurous concoction featuring brine from olives and feta cheese is a savory revelation. It's briny, complex, and surprisingly delicious, perfect for the intrepid cocktail explorer. Next up, we have The Rachel Martini: a unique take featuring Old Tom Gin, Dolin Dry Vermouth, cornichon juice, and garlic-stuffed olive juice. This herbaceous stunner promises a delightful savory and slightly tangy profile. For those who like a little heat, this Spicy Thai Martini features a combo of New Deal Vodka plus Hot Monkey Pepper Flavored Vodka mixed with Ginger Liqueur, coconut milk, pineapple juice, and muddled basil. It’s a fiery fusion of Southeast Asian flavors in classic cocktail form.
The Fruity & Floral
The Pear Martini is a subtly sweet and incredibly elegant martini featuring our New Deal Pear Brandy and Dolin Blanc vermouth. The pear notes are delicate and sophisticated, perfect for a lighter touch. It’s perfect for pairing with cheese plates or serving as a unique signature cocktail at your next garden party. If you love a floral, fruity martini, the Elder Flower Martini is calling your name. Both fragrant and flirtatious, this delightful concoction features New Deal Vodka, Pear Brandy, our house-made Elder Flower Syrup, and grapefruit bitters. It's a light, floral, and fruity favorite.
The Aromatic & Herbal
Bring some savory elegance to your bar cart with the Rosemary Martini. An aromatic masterpiece that combines Portland Dry Gin 33, Dolin Blanc Vermouth, and rosemary simple syrup. The fresh rosemary garnish elevates this martini into an experience for all the senses. It's especially good alongside roasted nuts or salty snacks. The Aromatized Vodka Martini adds aromatized wine — specifically, Cocchi Americano Bianco — to the classic martini recipe of spirit and vermouth, resulting in a slightly sweet, citrusy twist. This one's a great choice for white wine lovers who are just dipping their toes into the world of martinis.
The Bold & Innovative
A 50/50 Martini is equal parts gin and vermouth. Our New Deal recipe is an innovative take that equalizes the proportions of our Portland Dry Gin 33 with Roots Divino Bianco Non-Alcoholic Aperitif. Highlighting the vermouth beautifully, creating a softer, more nuanced martini that's both refreshingly light and low-ABV—a perfect option for daytime sipping or a warm summer night. Garnish with a lemon twist or olive, depending on your mood. As the name suggests, this Reverse Martini flips the script, emphasizing the vermouth rather than the vodka. It's a wonderful way to appreciate the complexity of quality vermouth. It’s softer, subtler, and proof that the martini doesn't have to be high-octane to be high-style.
The Decadent & Dessert-Inspired
Late-night pick-me-up? Yes, please! Our Espresso Martini combines Portland 90 Vodka, New Deal Coffee Liqueur, and fresh espresso for the ultimate after-dinner cocktail. It's dessert, digestif, and dance fuel all in one. Can’t decide between coffee and chocolate? With the Mocha Martini, you don’t have to. Indulge your sweet tooth with this rich and creamy martini that substitutes our Mud Puddle Bitter Chocolate Vodka for unflavored vodka, and adds some Bailey's Irish Cream Liqueur. With a few simple edits to the classic espresso formula, you’ve got yourself a rich, indulgent treat.
Beyond the Glass:
Martini-Inspired Culinary Delights
Want to drink your martini and eat it too? The martini's influence isn't limited to the cocktail shaker. For the truly devoted, you can even incorporate its flavors into your cooking. Our Martini Chicken recipe is a flavorful way to bring cocktail hour into the kitchen. The recipe, inspired by French Coq au Vin, uses gin and vermouth — instead of wine —to braise chicken, resulting in an earthy, savory dish perfect for a celebratory dinner. Serve with seasoned rice or grilled focaccia bread and a fresh batch of Gin 33 Freezer Martinis for the ultimate National Martini Day dinner!
Visit the Bottle Shop for Martini Day
Need a restock on your martini supplies? Whether you're hunting down that perfect dry vermouth, a bottle of Portland Dry Gin 33, or some locally-made cocktail bitters, the New Deal Bottle Shop has everything you need to build the martini of your dreams. Local to Portland? Stop by for a tasting, or place a Local Pickup order online.
Classic and crisp, savory and surprising, or sweet and decadent, the martini offers an endless journey of discovery. On June 19th, we invite you to raise your glass high and toast to National Martini Day. Here's to good spirits, great company, and the timeless elegance of the martini!