Three Martini Tasting Recipe

Chill three martini glasses by placing them in the freezer for at least 10 minutes or fill them with ice water while you prepare the cocktails.

Decide which three martini variations you will serve (examples below include Classic Gin Martini, Vodka Martini, Dirty Martini, Martinez-style, Negroni-style martini, Gibson). Ensure you have the specified ingredients on hand for each chosen cocktail.

Fill a mixing glass halfway with ice for stirred martinis (gin, vodka, dirty, sweet). Use a shaker if any variation requires dry-shaking or a citrus-forward finish.

Build and stir

Measure 2 oz gin and 0.33 oz (about 1 tsp) dry vermouth into the mixing glass with ice. Stir gently for 20–30 seconds until the outside of the mixing glass is chilled and slightly frosted.

Double-strain into one chilled 2 oz martini glass. Express a lemon twist over the drink, rub the peel on the rim, then discard or drop the twist in as garnish.

Build and stir or shake

Measure 2 oz vodka and 0.33 oz dry vermouth into the mixing glass with fresh ice. Stir for 15–20 seconds (or shake vigorously for 10–12 seconds if you prefer a slightly more aerated clear cocktail).

Strain into a second chilled 2 oz martini glass. Garnish with a lemon twist or a single olive as preferred.

Build and stir

In the mixing glass with ice, measure 1.75 oz gin or vodka (choose base spirit) and add 0.5 oz olive brine and 0.25–0.5 oz dry vermouth depending on how "dirty" you want it. Stir for 20 seconds.

Strain into the third chilled 2 oz martini glass and garnish with two to three olives on a pick.

Martinez-style (sweet-forward)

Combine 1.5 oz gin, 1 oz sweet vermouth, 0.25 oz maraschino liqueur (or 0.25 tsp orange bitters), and ice in the mixing glass. Stir 20–30 seconds, strain into chilled glass, garnish with a lemon twist or cherry.

Negroni-style martini (bitter twist)

Combine 1.25 oz gin, 0.5 oz Campari, 0.25–0.5 oz sweet vermouth and ice. Stir 20–30 seconds, strain into chilled glass, garnish with an orange twist.

Gibson

Prepare like a Classic Gin Martini but garnish with a cocktail onion instead of an olive or twist. Stir 20–30 seconds, strain and garnish.

Serve the three 2 oz martinis together on a tray, labeled or presented in order. Provide small palate cleansers like plain water, crackers, or bread between tastings.

If any variation is shaken, serve immediately as the aeration dissipates quickly. For stirred martinis, expect a slightly smoother, clearer appearance.

Refill ice in the mixing glass between cocktails to keep drinks properly chilled and prevent dilution variance.