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A martini tonic is a light, refreshing cocktail made with dry vermouth, tonic water, and a splash of citrus. It’s a low-ABV, easy-to-make drink perfect for warm weather, summer gatherings, or when you want something crisp, herbaceous, and effortlessly elegant. Serve it over ice with a lime garnish for the ultimate patio sip.

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With summer finally here, my backyard entertaining brain is fully switched on. Lately, I’ve been craving drinks that are light, refreshing, and a little unexpected! Enter the martini tonic. It’s become my latest go-to for effortless happy hours and casual gatherings with friends.

While most people reach for a gin and tonic or a spritz this time of year, I’ve been experimenting with vermouth-based cocktails, and the results have been so good. The martini tonic is clean, slightly bitter, and citrusy, and you’ll love how beautifully it pairs with small bites, charcuterie, or even grilled seafood.

This is one of those “where-have-you-been-all-my-life” drinks—especially if you’re looking for something lower in alcohol, incredibly simple, and undeniably sophisticated. Let’s dive into how to make it and why it deserves a permanent spot in your summer cocktail rotation.

Why I Love This Martini Tonic Recipe

  • Elegant yet effortless – It looks elevated but takes only minutes to make.
  • Low-ABV – Dry vermouth typically has about half the alcohol of gin, making this a more sessionable drink.
  • Bright and herbaceous – The combo of vermouth and tonic brings out beautiful botanical notes.
  • Perfect for warm weather – Especially when poured over lots of ice with fresh lime.

As someone who develops recipes professionally and loves to entertain at home, this drink hits that sweet spot between approachable and elevated—my favorite kind of recipe.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what goes into this classic martini tonic:

  • 2 oz Dry Vermouth (such as Martini Bianco or Cinzano)
    Dry vermouth has subtle floral, citrusy, and herbal flavors. For a twist, try Martini Rosso for a deeper, spicier note.
  • 1 oz Fresh Lime Juice
    Adds bright acidity that balances the bitterness of the tonic and the sweetness of vermouth.
  • 2 oz Tonic Water
    Choose a high-quality tonic water—Fever-Tree, Q Mixers, or whatever brand you love.
  • Lime Slices or Wedges
    For garnish and a bit of aroma.

Ingredient Tip

Keep all your ingredients chilled before assembling to avoid needing too much ice, which can dilute the drink.

Substitutions & Variations

Top with soda – Make it lighter by cutting the tonic water with a splash of soda.

Try Rosso or Sweet Vermouth – Martini Rosso or another red vermouth gives a warmer, slightly spiced flavor.

Swap the citrus – Use lemon juice and a lemon wheel for a brighter, slightly sweeter profile.

Add gin – For a stiffer cocktail, add ½ oz of dry gin to make a gin martini tonic.

How to Make a Martini Tonic

Step-by-step instructions:

  1. Fill a large glass with ice
    A balloon or highball glass works beautifully here. The more ice, the colder and longer-lasting your drink will be.
  2. Add vermouth and lime juice
    Pour 2 oz of dry vermouth and 1 oz of fresh lime juice over the ice.
  3. Top with tonic water
    Slowly pour in 2 oz of tonic water. You can add more to taste if you prefer a lighter drink.
  4. Stir gently
    Use a long cocktail spoon to gently mix the drink without losing the bubbles.
  5. Garnish and serve
    Add a slice of lime, a sprig of mint, or even a twist of lemon peel for a little visual flair.

Pro Tip

If you’re batching this for a party, mix everything except the tonic ahead of time and keep chilled. Add the tonic right before serving.

Recipe Tips

Use quality vermouth – Fresh vermouth makes all the difference. Store it in the fridge after opening and use within a month for the best flavor.

Chill your glass – Pop it in the freezer for 10 minutes beforehand for a super crisp sip.

Batch for entertaining – Multiply the recipe in a pitcher and let guests add their own tonic and ice.

How to Store & Make Ahead

Storing vermouth: Once opened, dry vermouth should be stored in the fridge and used within 3–4 weeks.

Make ahead: Mix the vermouth and lime juice and refrigerate up to 1 day in advance. Add tonic and garnish just before serving.

Leftovers: Since tonic loses carbonation quickly, it’s best to mix fresh each time.

FAQ

A martini tonic is a cocktail made with dry vermouth, tonic water, and citrus. It’s a lighter, more aromatic alternative to a traditional martini or gin and tonic.

Yes! It creates a slightly richer drink—just expect more sweetness and spice.

A balloon glass or highball allows room for ice and plenty of bubbles. A stemmed wine glass also works in a pinch

Not quite. It swaps the gin for vermouth, creating a much lower-ABV drink with botanical complexity.

Other Cocktail Recipes You’ll Love

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re planning a summer dinner party, relaxing on the patio, or simply want something crisp and refreshing at the end of a long day, this martini tonic recipe is the kind of drink that makes you feel like you’ve just stepped into a European café. It’s unfussy, refreshing, and endlessly customizable—just the way summer cocktails should be.

If you give it a try, let me know how you like to garnish yours or what vermouth you’re using. I love hearing how these recipes show up in your homes and happy hours!

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Lime Martini Tonic

Yield: 1
Prep Time: 3 minutes
Total Time: 3 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 oz of Dry Vermouth, like Martini Bianco
  • 1 oz of fresh lime juice
  • 2 oz of tonic water
  • lime slices for garnish

Instructions

  1. Pour the dry vermouth, and lime juice into a highball glass or balloon glass.
  2. Add a handful of ice cubes to the cocktail glass. This step is optional if your tonic water is already chilled. But on a hot summer day, plenty of ice keeps this cocktail colder longer.
  3. Pour the tonic water and give it a stir using a cocktail spoon.
  4. Garnish with lime slices and whatever extra garnishes of your liking.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 1 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 310Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 51mgCarbohydrates: 24gFiber: 2gSugar: 9gProtein: 1g
© Christopher

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