Martin Is Recipe

Chill glass

Place a martini or coupe glass in the freezer for 5–10 minutes or fill it with ice water while you prepare the drink to ensure the cocktail stays cold.

Measure and combine

Add the gin (or vodka) and dry vermouth to a mixing glass or cocktail shaker. If you like a slightly aromatic edge, add one dash of orange bitters.

Add ice and stir

Fill the mixing glass with 5–6 large ice cubes. Stir gently but thoroughly for 20–30 seconds until the outside of the mixing glass feels very cold. Stirring chills and dilutes the drink evenly without bruising the spirit.

Strain

Discard ice or water from the chilled serving glass. Using a julep strainer or the shaker's built-in strainer, strain the mixed cocktail into the chilled martini or coupe glass.

If using a lemon twist: use a vegetable peeler or paring knife to slice a ½ lemon peel, express the oils over the surface of the drink by pinching the peel skin-side down above the glass, then rub the peel along the rim and drop it into the cocktail.

If using an olive: thread a green olive (or two) on a cocktail pick and rest it in the glass. If you like a saltier note, use an olive brine-soaked olive or add a tiny splash of brine for a 'Martini brine' touch.

Serve immediately while very cold.