Martini, Gin Or Vodka Recipe

Chill glass

Place the cocktail glass in the freezer for at least 10 minutes or fill it with ice water while you prepare the drink to properly chill it.

Decide style

Choose gin for a classic herbal, juniper-forward Martini or vodka for a cleaner, neutral profile. Decide whether you want a standard (2.5:0.5), drier (less vermouth), or 'wet' (more vermouth) ratio. Optionally plan a vermouth rinse for an extra-dry Martini.

Prepare mixing glass or shaker

Fill a mixing glass or cocktail shaker with the indicated amount of ice (about 1 cup). Use plenty of fresh, clear ice to get a proper chill and dilution.

Add vermouth (or rinse)

If using a vermouth rinse for an extra-dry style, pour 0.25 oz of dry vermouth into the chilled cocktail glass, swirl to coat the interior, then discard the excess (or keep a drop for flavor). Otherwise measure 0.5 oz dry vermouth and pour it into the mixing glass with the ice.

Add spirit and bitters

Pour 2.5 oz of gin or vodka into the mixing glass on top of the ice. Add one dash of orange bitters if using — this is optional but adds aromatic complexity.

Stir or shake

For a classic clear Martini, stir the mixture with a bar spoon for 20–30 seconds until well chilled (about 30–40 total rotations). If you prefer a shaken (Cloudy/James Bond) Martini, shake vigorously for 10–12 seconds until the outside of the shaker is frosty. Stirring yields a silkier, clearer drink; shaking yields more dilution and cloudiness.

Strain

Discard ice or rinse water from the chilled cocktail glass if you used it. Using a julep strainer or Hawthorne & fine strainer as appropriate, strain the chilled spirit into the chilled cocktail glass.

Garnish with lemon twist

For a lemon twist: use a peeler or small knife to cut a 1" x 1" strip of lemon peel. Express the oils by holding the peel over the drink and giving it a quick twist so the oils spray onto the surface, then rub the rim briefly and drop the twist into the glass.

Garnish with olive

For an olive: spear 1 green olive on a cocktail pick and rest it in or across the glass. You may also use two olives for a slightly saltier presentation.

Final serve

Serve immediately while very cold. Sip and note the balance of spirit and vermouth; adjust ratio in future pours to taste (less vermouth for drier, more for wetter).