Martini Recipe

Chill the glass

Place the martini glass in the freezer for 5–10 minutes or fill it with ice and cold water while you prepare the cocktail to ensure the finished drink is properly chilled.

Add ice to mixing glass

Fill a mixing glass with plenty of fresh ice (about 1 cup) to thoroughly chill and slightly dilute the cocktail while stirring.

Measure and pour

Using a jigger, pour 2.5 oz dry gin and 0.5 oz dry vermouth into the mixing glass. If you like a slightly more aromatic note, add 1 dash of orange or lemon bitters (optional).

Stir (preferred) or shake

Stir the mixture with a bar spoon for 20–30 seconds (about 30–40 full turns) until the outside of the mixing glass feels very cold and the drink is slightly diluted and crystal clear. If you prefer a shaken martini, add the ingredients and ice to a cocktail shaker and shake vigorously for 10–12 seconds; note this will produce more dilution and a slightly cloudy appearance.

Prepare the glass

If you chilled with ice and water, dump the ice and water from the martini glass. For a lemon twist garnish, use a peeler or small knife to cut a 1-inch strip of lemon peel, removing excess pith.

Strain and garnish

Using a strainer, strain the chilled cocktail into the prepared martini glass. Express the lemon peel over the surface by holding it skin-side down and giving it a quick twist to release oils, then rim the glass with the peel and drop it in, or alternatively, skewer a green olive and place it in the glass.

Serve

Serve immediately while very cold. Sip and enjoy. If serving multiple cocktails, repeat the process for each drink or scale ingredients accordingly.

Use the jigger to measure spirits accurately. Use the mixing glass and bar spoon for stirring; use a shaker only if you want a shaken martini. Use the strainer to prevent ice shards from entering the glass. Chill the martini glass beforehand for best presentation and temperature.