Gin Martini Recipe

Chill glass

Place a martini (coupe or stem) glass in the freezer for 5–10 minutes or fill it with ice water while you prepare the cocktail to ensure the drink stays very cold.

Prepare mixing glass

Fill a mixing glass or a cocktail shaker (without sealing) with 6 large ice cubes. The ice should be clean and cold to avoid excessive dilution.

Measure and combine

Pour 3 oz London dry gin and 0.5 oz dry vermouth into the mixing glass over the ice.

Stir (preferred) or shake

Stir the mixture gently with a long bar spoon for 20–30 seconds (about 15–20 full strokes) until the outside of the mixing glass feels very cold and the drink has a slight chill and small dilution. If you prefer a slightly more aerated, colder martini, shake vigorously for 8–10 seconds and then strain (this produces more dilution and tiny air bubbles).

Prepare garnish

If using a twist: hold the peel of orange or lemon (about 1 piece), skin side down, over the chilled glass and give a quick, firm twist to express the oils over the surface of the drink. Optionally rub the rim with the peel and drop it into the glass. If using an olive or cocktail onion, simply spear it on a cocktail pick.

Strain and serve

Discard ice or water from the chilled glass. Using a julep strainer or Hawthorne/regular strainer, strain the stirred or shaken martini into the chilled martini glass.

Garnish and enjoy

Add the twist or the olive/onion as garnish. Serve immediately while very cold.