Vodka Martini Recipe

Chill glass

Place the coupe or martini glass in the freezer for at least 10 minutes before mixing, or fill it with ice and cold water while you prepare the cocktail to properly chill it.

Measure spirits

Using a jigger, measure 2.5 oz premium organic vodka and 0.5 oz dry vermouth.

Choose shaking vs stirring

Decide whether to stir (clear, silky texture) or shake (brighter, slightly more aerated and colder). Traditional martini purists usually stir; shaking is acceptable if you prefer a colder, slightly diluted drink.

Prepare ice

Fill a mixing glass or cocktail shaker three-quarters full with fresh, large ice cubes (about 1 cup). Large cubes dilute slower and keep the drink colder with less watering down.

Combine and chill

Add the measured dry vermouth to the mixing glass first, then the vodka. If stirring: stir with a bar spoon for 20–30 seconds using smooth, controlled strokes until the outside of the mixing glass feels very cold. If shaking: secure the shaker and shake vigorously for 10–15 seconds until well chilled and the shaker frosts.

Prep glass

If you chilled the glass with ice water, dump it now and give the glass a quick, cold rinse if desired. For a lemon twist garnish, use a peeler or small knife to cut a 1-inch wide strip of peel, avoiding too much white pith.

Strain

Using a Hawthorne strainer (or the shaker's built-in strainer) or a fine mesh strainer, double-strain the liquid into the chilled martini/coupe glass to remove any small ice shards. Pour slowly and steadily to achieve a clean presentation.

Lemon twist (optional)

Hold the peel over the surface of the cocktail and give it a firm twist to express the citrus oils onto the drink, then rub the peel rim around the glass and drop the twist into the cocktail or rest it on the rim.

Olive garnish (optional)

If using olives, skewer two pitted cocktail olives on a cocktail pick and place them into the drink. For a slightly brinier note, rinse olives briefly if overly salty.

Serve

Serve immediately while very cold. Sip and enjoy the clean, crisp profile of the premium organic vodka.

Rinse or discard melting ice from the mixing glass/shaker. Wash tools and glassware with warm water and mild detergent; dry and store. Refill freezer for next service if you routinely chill glasses.