Classic Martini Recipe

Place the martini glass in the freezer for at least 5 minutes or fill it with ice water while you prepare the cocktail to ensure the glass is well chilled.

Select spirit

Decide whether you want a Gin Martini (Ford's Gin) or a Vodka Martini (1876 Vodka). For the Gin Martini use 2.5 oz Ford's Gin. For the Vodka Martini use 2.5 oz 1876 Vodka. (Only one spirit is used per cocktail.)

Measure vermouth

Measure 1/2 teaspoon dry vermouth (about a rinse-level amount). For a wetter martini increase to 1/4 oz (7.5 ml); for a drier martini use a few drops or simply rinse the glass with vermouth and discard excess.

If you prefer stirred: Add large ice cubes to the mixing glass until about three-quarters full. Pour the measured gin or vodka into the mixing glass, then add the dry vermouth.

Stirring technique: Using the bar spoon, stir gently and continuously for 20–30 seconds (about 15–20 revolutions) to chill and dilute the spirit slightly. Stir until the mixing glass feels very cold to the touch.

If you prefer shaken: Add ice, spirit, and vermouth to a cocktail shaker, cap it, and shake vigorously for 8–10 seconds until the outside of the shaker is frosty. Note: shaking will yield a slightly more diluted and cloudy (tiny ice shards) martini.

Olives

Thread two pitted green olives onto a cocktail pick. If desired, drop them into the chilled glass as garnish.

Lemon twist

Use a peeler or sharp knife to cut a 1/2-inch wide strip of lemon peel, 2–3 inches long, avoiding too much pith. Hold the peel over the chilled glass and, skin side down, give it a quick squeeze or twist to express the oils over the cocktail, then run the rim with the peel and drop it into the glass (or discard).

Empty the ice water from the chilled martini glass if used. Using a strainer, double-strain the mixed or shaken cocktail from the mixing glass/shaker into the chilled martini glass.

Choose your garnish: place the olive pick in the glass (for olives) or add the expressed lemon twist. Serve immediately while cold.

Adjust vermouth to taste: classic recipes vary from a 5:1 spirit:vermouth ratio to just a rinse. Use the vermouth quantities above as a starting point. Use fresh citrus and high-quality olives for the best result.