Vodka Recipe

Chill glass

Place a martini or coupe glass in the freezer for at least 5 minutes, or fill it with ice and water while you prepare the cocktail to thoroughly chill the glass.

Optional rim

If you prefer a salted or sugared rim, run a lemon wedge around the glass lip and dip into coarse salt or sugar. Set the glass aside to let the rim set while you mix.

Fill a mixing glass or cocktail shaker with the measured ice (about 1 cup). Add 2 oz chilled vodka and 0.5 oz chilled dry vermouth into the mixing glass.

Stir the mixture vigorously for 20–30 seconds with a bar spoon if you want a clear, silky cocktail. If you prefer a slightly more aerated drink, shake for 8–10 seconds. Shaking will create tiny shards of ice and a colder, slightly cloudier result.

Taste a small amount (optional) by pouring a little into a small glass to check dilution and chill. Adjust future cocktails by stirring longer for more dilution or shorter for less.

Discard ice/water from the chilled glass if used. Strain the mixed vodka and vermouth into the chilled martini or coupe glass using a Hawthorne or julep strainer.

Garnish with a lemon twist: hold a thin strip of lemon peel over the drink and give it a quick twist to release oils, then rub the peel on the rim and drop it into the glass. Alternatively, garnish with a green olive on a cocktail pick and rest it across the rim or drop it into the drink.

Serve immediately while cold.