Martini Recipe

Martini

1. 1

   Chill glass

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

2. 2

   Add ice and spirits

   Fill a mixing glass or cocktail shaker with ice (about 1 cup). Pour in 2.5 oz gin (or vodka) and 0.5 oz dry vermouth.

3. 3

   Optional additions

   If using orange bitters, add 1 dash. For a dirty martini, add 0.25 oz olive brine. For a vermouth rinse, pour about 0.1 oz vermouth into the chilled glass, swirl to coat the interior, then discard the excess.

4. 4

   Stir or shake

   For a classic clear martini, stir the mixture with a bar spoon in the mixing glass for 20–30 seconds until well chilled and slightly diluted. If you prefer a shaken martini (cloudier, colder), cap the shaker and shake vigorously for about 10–15 seconds.

5. 5

   Strain and garnish

   Strain the chilled martini into the prepared glass using a Hawthorne or julep strainer. Garnish with a lemon twist (express the oils over the drink and rub the rim, then drop or discard) or a green olive on a pick.