“Three measures of Gordon’s, one of vodka, half a measure of kina lillet, shake it over ice and then add a thin slice of lemon peel,” that’s how James Bond orders his Vesper Martini in the 2006 flick Casino Royale. If that sounds tempting, World Martini Day is just around the corner to raise a glass of your own.
Celebrated on the third Saturday of June, World Martini Day 2026 brings together connoisseurs all over the world together to relish their choice of martini. Few cocktails embody luxury quite like the martini. Elegant and endlessly customisable, it has remained the drink of choice for discerning drinkers for more than a century.
Be it New Delhi’s intimate cocktail sanctuaries or sea-facing bars in Goa and award-winning mixology destinations in Mumbai, the martini has become a canvas for innovation and indulgence. India’s luxury hospitality industry is elevating the iconic cocktail beyond its classic form by experimenting with rare spirits, artisanal vermouths, unique garnishes and destination-worthy settings.
Also Read: The Luxury Of Sustainability In The World Of Bars
Why Is World Martini Day Celebrated
World Martini Day celebrates one of the world’s most iconic cocktails and its lasting influence on global drinking culture. The occasion honours the craftsmanship behind a perfectly balanced martini, from the selection of premium spirits to the precision of its preparation. It also pays tribute to the cocktail’s remarkable journey through history.
While its exact origins remain debated, many historians trace the martini’s roots to the Martinez cocktail of the late nineteenth century, before it evolved into the elegant gin-and-vermouth serve that became a symbol of sophistication. Today, the martini remains synonymous with luxury, refinement and timeless cocktail culture.
What Goes Inside a Martini
A martini is a classic cocktail prepared by combining gin or vodka with dry vermouth. It is typically stirred or shaken with ice, strained into a chilled cocktail glass and finished with a garnish like olive or lemon.
Based on personal preference, a ‘dry’ martini uses very little vermouth, while a ‘wet’ martini uses a higher ratio of vermouth.
Whether you favour a timeless dry martini or a contemporary interpretation infused with local character, these exceptional bars offer some of the most sophisticated martini experiences available in India today.
Try It With a Twist
Breakfast Martini by Atelier V
Begin your celebration with a Breakfast Martini, which is zesty and just a little playful. Made with orange marmalade instead of vermouth, it brings a gentle sweetness and a fresh citrus lift that feels special.
Ingredients:
- Gin – 45ml
- Orange liqueur – 15ml
- Fresh lemon juice – 10ml
- Orange marmalade – 1tsp
- Lemon wheel/small piece of toast for the garnish
Method:
- Add gin, orange liqueur, lemon juice, and marmalade into a shaker with ice.
- Shake well until chilled, and the marmalade is fully incorporated.
- Double-strain into a chilled coupe glass.
- Garnish with a lemon wheel or toast.
Spiced Jamun Martini by MONIN India
Inspired by the tangy-sweet fruit that colours Indian summers, MONIN’s Spiced Jamun Syrup evokes a nostalgic flavour to this modern martini. Paired with crisp London Dry Gin and bright lime, it’s a cocktail that feels familiar yet refreshingly new.
Ingredients:
- London Dry Gin – 60ml
- MONIN Spiced Jamun Syrup – 30ml
- Lime juice – 15ml
- Fresh mint leaves
- Ice cubes
Method:
- In a shaker, combine gin, MONIN Spiced Jamun Syrup, and lime juice.
- Add ice cubes and shake well for 15–20 seconds.
- Strain into a chilled martini glass and garnish with mint.
Also Read: Step Upstairs: Where Martinis Meet Mystique At Indian Accent’s New Bar
Elder Martini by Davana Vermouth Indica
This cocktail mix infuses crisp gin, floral elderflower and the soft, dreamy depth of Davana Bianco. The Elder Martini takes everything you love about the classic and makes it better. A touch of saline sharpens the edges just enough to keep things interesting.
Ingredients:
- Gin – 30ml
- Davana Bianco – 20ml
- Elderflower Distillate – 5ml
- Saline – 2 drops
Method:
- Add all ingredients to a mixing glass with ice.
- Stir well until thoroughly chilled.
- Strain into a chilled Nick & Nora glass.
- Garnish with a lemon twist.
Dirty Martini by Tulleeho
Martini Day feels like the perfect excuse to revisit one of the world’s most enduring cocktails. The Dirty Martini keeps things classic, pairing gin or vodka with dry vermouth and olive brine for that unmistakable savoury edge. Clean, bold and just a little briny, it’s the kind of drink that proves sometimes the classics really do get it right.
Ingredients:
- Gin or vodka – 60 ml
- Dry vermouth – 15 ml
- Olive brine – 15 ml
Method:
- Add gin or vodka, dry vermouth and olive brine to a mixing glass filled with ice.
- Stir well until thoroughly chilled.
- Strain into a chilled martini glass
- Garnish with green olives.
Punk Tini by Nao Spirits
A chilled, smooth and slightly zingy drink, this cocktail brings strawberries into a more elegant space. It’s perfect for when you want something simple yet special in your glass.
Ingredients:
- Punk Gin – 50 ml
- Crème De Cacao – 7.5 ml
- Dry Vermouth Infused with Hibiscus – 7.5 ml*
- Cold Water – 10 ml
- Frozen Strawberry – Garnish
Method:
- Infuse 0.5 L dry vermouth with 5 grams dry rosella flowers overnight in the fridge. Strain and use.
- Add all the ingredients in a mixing glass with ice and stir.
- Take a coupe glass and pour your drink into it. Add a frozen strawberry in a pick and add it as a garnish.
- For a colder, silkier serve, premix the cocktail and store in a freezer before serving.
The Queen of Hearts Martini by Monarch Legacy Edition
Monarch Legacy Edition is a luxury brandy with depth, smooth, rich and versatile enough to enjoy neat or in a well-crafted cocktail. As more drinkers explore beyond the classic gin-or-vodka route, brandy is quietly finding its place in Martini-style serves too. For Martini Day, the Queen of Hearts Martini offers a softer, fruit-forward take, where Monarch’s silky profile works beautifully with bright citrus and delicate sweetness, creating something balanced, easy to sip and just a little unexpected.
Ingredients:
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- 45 ml of Monarch
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- 1 bar spoon of strawberry or mixed berry marmalade
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- 15 ml of orange liqueur
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- 15 ml of lime juice
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- Garnish: A fresh strawberry (optional: dip it in sugar or chocolate for a romantic touch)
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- Glass: Martini glass
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Method:
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- Add Monarch, strawberry/berry marmalade, orange liqueur, and lime juice into a shaker with ice.
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- Shake vigorously to ensure the marmalade mixes well.
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- Strain into a chilled martini glass.
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- Garnish with a fresh strawberry.
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If you wish to relish the timeless aura of the martini, head to India’s finest bars this World Martini Day and enjoy everything from impeccably executed classics to inventive regional interpretations. Whether you prefer a dry, dirty or contemporary twist, these spots prove that the martini remains the ultimate symbol of sophistication.
