Classic Martini Recipe

Chill glass

Place the coupe or martini glass in the freezer for 5–10 minutes or fill it with ice water while you prepare the cocktail to thoroughly chill; discard ice water just before straining.

Measure spirits

Using the jigger, measure 3 oz gin and 0.5 oz dry vermouth. If using orange bitters, add 1 dash to the measured vermouth or directly into the mixing glass.

Add ice and stir

Fill the mixing glass with the large ice cubes (about 6 cubes). Pour in the vermouth (with optional bitters) first, then the gin. Using a bar spoon, stir the mixture gently but steadily for 20–30 seconds (about 15–20 revolutions) until the exterior of the mixing glass feels very cold and the liquid is slightly diluted and clear.

Prepare garnish

If using a lemon twist: hold the lemon peel with the outer (zest) side facing down over the chilled glass and give it a firm twist to release oils, then rub the rim of the glass lightly with the peel. If using an olive: skewer one olive on a cocktail pick.

Strain and serve

Use the strainer to pour the stirred martini from the mixing glass into the chilled martini glass, leaving ice behind. Garnish with the lemon twist (expressed oils shown over the cocktail) or the cocktail olive. Serve immediately.

Rinse and dry the mixing glass, spoon, jigger and strainer. Return the glass to service or wash as needed.