Bikini Martini Recipe

WRITTEN BY: SCOTT VAN DORT

The Bikini Martini is a Gin-based Martini that epitomizes the 1990s.

Blue drinks, anyone? Ooooh, yeah! Beyond its striking (read: unmissable!) neon-blue color, the Bikini Martini is a fruity yet stiff cocktail, boasting a truly unique blend of flavors. And despite its “vibrant” coloring, it’s not at all as sweet as you might think.

Time to party like it’s 1999 and get mixing!

How To Make a Bikini Martini

What You’ll Need

• Jigger or Measuring Instrument 
• Mixing Glass
• Julep Strainer
• Bar Spoon
• Paring Knife
• Martini Glass

How to Mix

1. Fill a Mixing Glass with Ice Cubes.
2. Measure and pour Blue Curaçao into the Mixing Glass using a Jigger.
3. Measure and pour Gin into the Mixing Glass, followed by Peach Schnapps.
4. Stir with a Bar Spoon until chilled and diluted to your taste preference.
5. Place a Julep Strainer over the Mixing Glass and pour the cocktail directly into a chilled Martini Glass.
6. Slice a piece of Orange Peel with a Paring Knife, twist it, and place it directly into the Martini Glass.
7. Sip and enjoy!

What is a Bikini Martini?

The Bikini Martini is a fruity yet stiff martini created in 1999 by none other than legendary London bartender by Dick Bradsell (RIP) who also invented the Espresso Martini and the Bramble cocktail among other drinks. It’s most famous for its neon blue color.

What Does a Bikini Martini Taste Like?

Sip the Bikini Martini and you get the distinct botanical, herbal, and slightly piney notes of gin, the sweet peach flavors from peach schnapps, and the sweet yet slightly bitter orange essence from blue curaçao. Despite appearances, it’s not as sweet as you’d expect. In fact, it’s a rather stiff drink.

The History of the Bikini Martini

The origins of the Bikini Martini date back to the late 90s, reportedly crafted as the signature cocktail for a swimsuit fashion event in the UK.

Just one glance at the Bikini Martini, and you can tell it’s a 90s classic. This drink perfectly captures the era when colorful cocktails were all the rage. With its electric-blue charm and fruity yet stiff profile, it’s like sipping the 90s straight from a Martini Glass.

Tips for Making the Perfect Bikini Martini

• Chill your Martini Glass
  Whenever you’re making a Martini, we recommend serving your drink in a chilled Martini Glass. Place your Glass in the freezer 30 minutes to 2 hours beforehand. It’s those little details that make all the difference.

Variations of a Bikini Martini

When it comes to Martinis, two questions always arise: Vodka or Gin? Shaken or stirred? The choice really depends on personal taste—it’s all about what you prefer.

• With Lemon Juice
  Some recipes for this drink include Lemon Juice, which I personally prefer and highly recommend adding.Nothing beats fresh ingredients when making cocktails, and the addition of real fruit brings authenticity to your drink, adding depth and complexity rather than just the essence from other ingredients. For instance, real orange zest, showcased in the orange twist garnish, really complements the Orange notes in the Blue Curaçao.

  Similarly, the addition of Lemon Juice adds a tartness and balance to the drink and heightens the entire drink. Add approximately a quarter part of Lemon Juice for the perfect touch.

• Shaken version
  Personally, I think the Bikini Martini is a better drink shaken, not stirred and with the addition of Lemon Juice.Add all the ingredients, including the Lemon Juice in a Boston Shaker filled with Ice Cubes. Shake, then fine strain into a chilled Martini Glass.

  In my opinion, the shaken version results in a colder and more balanced drink.

Serving and Garnish Ideas for a Bikini Martini

Serve the Bikini Martini in a chilled Martini Glass and garnish with a twist of Orange Zest.