Classic Recipe

Inspired by Le Calamar

Time7m

Serves1

gin, dry vermouth

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Ingredients

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1
Chill glass
Place the martini/coupe glass in the freezer for at least 5 minutes or fill it with ice water while you prepare the cocktail. Discard ice water just before pouring.
2
Measure and combine
Add 2.5 oz gin and 0.5 oz dry vermouth to a mixing glass filled about three-quarters with ice.
3
Stir
Using a bar spoon, stir the mixture gently for 20–30 seconds (about 15–20 full turns). Stirring chills and dilutes the drink while keeping it clear and silky. If you prefer a slightly colder, more diluted martini, stir up to 40 seconds.
4
Strain
Use a strainer to pour the chilled, diluted cocktail into the prepared chilled martini glass, leaving the ice behind.

5
Express lemon twist
Hold a lemon twist over the drink (peel side down) and give it a firm twist to express the oils across the surface of the cocktail. If using an olive, drop one olive into the glass instead.
6
Serve immediately. Taste: the classic ratio here (5:1 gin to vermouth) yields a dry, gin-forward martini. Adjust vermouth amount to taste for wetter/drier preferences.

7
Ensure glassware is chilled and tools are clean. Use a proper mixing glass and spoon for best texture; shaking is optional but will produce a cloudier, colder drink.