1oz | 2oz | Martini Recipe

Chill glass

Place a martini or coupe glass in the freezer or fill it with ice water while you prepare the cocktail; let it chill for at least 3 minutes.

Add vermouth and gin

Fill a mixing glass or cocktail shaker with plenty of ice. Pour in 0.5 oz dry vermouth (for a 2:1 ratio) and 2 oz gin.

Stir gently

Using a bar spoon, stir the mixture for 20–30 seconds (about 15–20 full turns) until well chilled and slightly diluted. If you prefer a slightly more diluted or colder drink, stir up to 40 seconds.

Prepare garnish

If using a twist: cut a thin strip of citrus peel and express the oils over the chilled glass by holding the twist over the bowl and giving it a quick fold. If using an olive: skewer 1 green olive on a pick.

Strain and serve

Discard ice water from the chilled glass if used. Double-strain the cocktail from the mixing glass into the chilled martini glass using a Hawthorne or julep strainer. Garnish with the citrus twist or olive.

Variations and adjustments

Vodka Martini: substitute 2 oz vodka for the gin. Extra-dry: reduce vermouth to 0.25 oz or simply rinse the glass with vermouth and discard excess. Wet: increase vermouth to 1 oz for a more aromatic cocktail. Dirty: add 0.25 oz olive brine to the mixing glass with the vermouth before adding spirit.

For a 1 oz spirit Martini (very small): place chilled glass as above. Use 1 oz gin (or vodka) and 0.25–0.5 oz dry vermouth depending on desired dryness. Stir with ice for 15–20 seconds and strain into the chilled glass. Garnish as desired.

For a 1.5 oz spirit Martini (intermediate): use 1.5 oz gin and 0.375–0.5 oz vermouth. Stir with ice for 20–25 seconds and strain. Adjust vermouth to taste.