Tito's Classic Martini Recipe

Chill glass

Place a martini (cocktail) glass in the freezer for at least 10 minutes or fill it with ice water while you prepare the cocktail so the drink stays cold when served "up."

Add ice and ingredients

Fill a mixing glass or shaker with 1 cup of ice. Pour in 2.5 oz Tito's Handmade Vodka and 0.25 oz dry vermouth (a "wave" — adjust to taste for drier or slightly wetter martini).

Stir to chill and dilute

Using a bar spoon, stir the vodka and vermouth with the ice for 20–30 seconds (about 20–30 strokes) until well chilled and slightly diluted. Stirring preserves clarity and a silky texture compared with shaking.

Prepare glass

If you used ice water to chill the glass, dump it out and quickly dry the rim. If chilled in the freezer, remove the glass now.

Strain and serve

Using a strainer, double-strain the contents of the mixing glass into the chilled cocktail glass so no shards of ice get into the drink. Serve "up" (without ice).

Express lemon peel

Hold a 1-piece lemon peel over the surface of the martini and give it a quick twist to express the oils over the drink, then rim the glass with the peel and drop it in or discard according to preference.

Alternative garnish

If you prefer a savory note, instead garnish with a single green olive on a cocktail pick and rest it on the rim or drop into the glass.

Use the bar spoon for stirring, the strainer to hold back ice, and the peeler or channel knife to cut the lemon peel. Ensure all equipment is clean and chilled where possible for best results.