Martinis Recipe

Chill glass

Place martini glass in the freezer or fill it with ice water while you prepare the cocktail to ensure it is well chilled.

Combine ingredients

In a mixing glass filled with ice (about 1 cup), pour 2.5 oz gin and 0.5 oz dry vermouth.

Stir

Using a bar spoon, stir the mixture briskly for 20–30 seconds until well chilled and slightly diluted (aim for about 15–20% dilution). Stirring preserves clarity and a silky texture.

Strain and garnish

Discard ice/water from the chilled martini glass, then strain the cocktail into the glass using a strainer. Express a lemon twist over the drink to release oils and drop it in, or garnish with a green olive if preferred.

Chill glass

Chill the martini glass in the freezer or fill with ice water while preparing the drink.

Combine ingredients

In a mixing glass filled with ice (about 1 cup), add 2.25 oz gin, 0.25 oz dry vermouth and 0.5 oz olive brine.

Stir or shake

Stir for 15–20 seconds if you want a clearer, smoother drink; shake for 8–10 seconds if you prefer a cloudy, more aerated texture. Both methods chill and dilute; choose per preference.

Strain and garnish

Empty the chilled glass of ice/water, then double-strain into the glass. Garnish with two skewered green olives.

Chill glass

Chill a martini glass in the freezer or fill with ice water until ready.

Combine ingredients

In a mixing glass filled with ice (about 1 cup), pour 2 oz gin, 0.5 oz vodka and 0.5 oz Lillet Blanc (or dry vermouth).

Shake or stir

Traditionally the Vesper is shaken; shake the ingredients vigorously in a cocktail shaker for 8–10 seconds to produce a chilled, slightly aerated drink. If you prefer a clearer drink, stir for 20–30 seconds instead.

Strain and garnish

Discard ice/water from the chilled martini glass, then strain into the glass. Express a lemon peel over the surface to release oils and drop the peel in as garnish.

Always use fresh, cold ice to minimize quick dilution. Taste and adjust: if the martini seems too strong, increase vermouth by 0.25 oz increments; for a drier martini, reduce vermouth. Clean and dry glassware before service for best presentation.