One of the many reasons I love martinis is their simplicity. With just two ingredients plus a garnish as a starting point, the slightest change can have a significant impact on the finished product. Adjusting the ratio of the ingredients or swapping the garnish can create a completely different experience.

I recently caught up with a former colleague who specialises in cyber security intelligence. I have left the murky world of intelligence behind but it is reassuring to know that keen polyglot professionals like her are still battling on, keeping our strategic interests safe.

We were discussing martinis and she expressed a liking for pickle-based items in particular. I started rattling off some of the martini variations I thought she might like and thought that it might actually be useful to write a quick guide about it.

So here is a run down of the pickle-related martini options out there for those of you who like a bit of zingy acidity in your drink.

The Mighty Gibson Martini

We start with the reigning monarch of the pickle martini kingdom. The Gibson is almost the same as a classic martini but garnished, not with olives or lemon peel, but a pickled onion. Adored by many, it stands among the upper echelons of martini royalty.

The Pickled Gherkin Martini

Less classical but definitely a favourite among many, we next have the Pickled Gherkin Martini. It’s a classic martini made with either gin or vodka, garnished with the obvious. It’s sweet, sour, fresh and green – and absolutely ideal for a pickle lover.

The Tsukemono Gibson Martini

This is a martini for pickle fans who like their flavour a little more subtle. Tsukemono are a type of Japanese pickle. They are usually very seasonal, salty, tasty and actually healthy – plus they make a lovely martini garnish.

The Pickled Walnut Martini

This is a delicious martini and visually striking with its black-coloured garnish. Pickled walnuts are fleshy, sweet and beautifully tangy. This martini also pairs very nicely with different types of cheese.

The Maghreb Martini with Preserved Lemon

This one is tart, citrus but arrestingly salty. It’s an acquired taste for some, but it’s definitely not one you’re going to forget any time soon.

It’s perfect at the end of a hot day and before something rich and meaty. Moroccan cuisine is a natural fit but it also goes well with Indian and even a traditional English roast.

The Japanese Pickled Ginger Martini

We return to Japanese flavours for this one, and it’s a subtle beauty. It’s delicate and slightly warming which makes it a very elegant winter drink to try out.

This is one of my absolute favourites by the way.

The Beet Up Gibson

This is for the beetroot lovers. It’s very similar to the Gibson Martini but replace the pickled onion with a pickled baby beetroot or two. If your beetroot are large, you can quarter them.

You might also like to add a teaspoon of the pickle juice as well for enhanced flavour and that arresting colour. Bring the drama! Don’t wear white!

The Spicy BJ Martini

Elevate the Beetroot Gibson with spice. This variation involves both picked beetroot, pickle juice and some drops of hot sauce like Tabasco.

It’s named after my aunty and it seems to absolutely grab some people by the nether regions.

The Lydia Martini

And finally, for those who you who really like a pickled onion in your Gibson, this version is named after my cousin Lydia, who likes her martinis with as many pickled onions crammed in the glass as possible. It’s quite the drink.

It’s also suitable for those of you who don’t quite want the full strength of a whole martini but still want to take part in the ceremony. You might not want to kiss anyone immediately after though.

Enjoy!

And please share any thoughts you have on pickle martinis in the comments!