How to Make Martinis for a Crowd

Martinis are the moment. But making them one by one? No thanks. Whether you’re hosting a few friends or a full-blown soirée, batching your martinis means more time sipping, less time stirring. The best part? No pre-prep required, you can just batch as you go. 

Here’s how we made our martinis for a recent party we hosted – two ways, both dangerously good.

The Dirty Martini – with Ink Gin

Salty, silky, sometimes filthy.

This one’s a crowd favourite. And yes, it works perfectly with Ink Gin! The all natural botanical colour makes it even more beautiful. 

For one serve:

• 60ml Ink Gin

• 15ml dry vermouth

• 15ml olive brine (adjust to taste if you like it filthy)

Add everything to a mixing glass filled with ice. Stir slowly for 30 seconds until icy cold, then strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a couple of green olives on a skewer – or plop them in straight from the jar if you’re feeling casual.

No strainer? Us neither. We forgot our bar kit for this party (oops). But no worries - a slotted spoon over the rim does the trick. You don't need a proper bar kit to make great drinks.  

For a crowd:

Got a full house? This recipe multiplies beautifully. You can batch 3–4 martinis in one standard mixing glass.

To make 4:

• 240ml Ink Gin

• 60ml dry vermouth

• 60ml olive brine

Stir with plenty of ice (you'll need to stir 1-2 minutes, until the alcohol is properly diluted), strain, garnish – and serve like the cocktail Queen you are.

Top tip: Keep your bottles and glasses in the freezer before mixing for maximum chill and minimum dilution.

🫒 Dirty Martini Batching Cheat Sheet (with Ink Gin)

Pro tip: Always taste before serving – olive brines vary, so adjust to your preferred level of salty sass.

🍋 Lemon Twist Martini – with Ink Art Gin

Silky, citrusy and a little bit fancy.

This one’s for when you want to impress with minimal effort and maximum flair. Perfect for the more refined palettes, this really lets the gin shine. Don't use a bad gin!

For one serve:

• 60ml Ink Art Gin

• 15ml dry vermouth

Add both to a mixing glass filled with ice. Stir for 30 seconds until icy cold. Strain into a frozen martini glass and garnish with a fresh lemon twist – just peel, twist over the drink to release the oils, and drop it in.

No peeler? A sharp knife and steady hand will do just fine.

For a crowd:

A drier style, perfect for group sipping.

To make 4:

• 240ml Ink Art Gin

• 60ml dry vermouth

Stir over plenty of ice, strain into chilled glasses, garnish with lemon zest, and serve immediately.

🍸 Lemon Martini Batching Cheat Sheet (with Ink Art Gin)

Hosting hack: Pop your martini glasses in the freezer at least an hour before your guests arrive. Icy glass = silky sip. But also, if you don't have freezer space, don't stress. Better to have a martini in a room temperature glass than no martini at all...