House Vodka Martini Recipe

Martini

1. 1

   Chill glass

   Place a martini (coupe) glass in the freezer for at least 5 minutes or fill it with ice water while you prepare the cocktail to ensure the drink stays cold.

2. 2

   Prepare mixing vessel and garnish

   Fill a mixing glass or cocktail shaker with the measured ice (about 1 cup) so there is enough cold surface to chill and dilute the spirit properly. If using olives on a pick, thread 3 pitted green olives onto the pick now. If using a lemon twist, cut a thin strip of lemon peel and set aside.

3. 3

   Add spirits

   Pour 0.5 oz dry vermouth into the mixing glass over the ice, then add 2.5 oz Tito's Vodka on top.

4. 4

   Stir (preferred) or shake

   Using a bar spoon, stir the mixture for 20–30 seconds (about 15–20 full turns) to properly chill and dilute the vodka without over-aerating. If you prefer a shaken martini, cover the shaker and shake vigorously for 8–10 seconds instead (this will create more dilution and tiny ice shards).

5. 5

   Prepare glass and strain

   If you used ice water to chill the glass, dump the ice water now. Fine-strain the stirred (or shaken) martini into the chilled martini glass using a Hawthorne or julep strainer (and a fine mesh strainer if desired) so no ice chips get into the drink.

6. 6

   Garnish and serve

   Garnish with the 3 olives on a pick, placing it across the rim or dropping it into the glass. If using a lemon twist, express the oils over the surface by holding the twist over the drink and giving it a quick bend, then optionally rub the rim with the peel and drop it in. Serve immediately.