Le Martini Recipe

Chill glass

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

Prepare mixing vessel

Fill a mixing glass or shaker with the measured cup of ice to sufficiently chill the spirit when stirred.

Measure and combine

Pour 2.5 oz of gin (or vodka if you prefer a vodka martini) and 0.5 oz dry vermouth into the mixing glass over the ice. Add 1 dash of orange bitters if using.

Stir, don't shake (classic)

Using a bar spoon, stir the mixture gently but thoroughly for 20–30 seconds (about 20–30 full spoon rotations). Stirring chills and dilutes the drink while preserving clarity and texture. If you prefer a colder, more aerated martini, you may shake for 10–12 seconds in a shaker instead.

Prepare garnish

While stirring, use a peeler or paring knife to cut a thin strip of lemon peel (about 1 inch long). Express the citrus oils over the surface of the stirred martini by holding the peel over the glass and quickly pinching it skin-side down.

Strain and finish

Discard the ice or water from the chilled martini glass. Using a hawthorne or julep strainer, strain the stirred martini into the chilled glass.

Garnish and serve

Rub the rim of the glass lightly with the expressed lemon peel (optional), drop the peel into the drink or twist and place on the rim. Alternatively, garnish with a single green olive on a cocktail pick if you prefer a briny note. Serve immediately.

After serving, rinse or wash the mixing glass, bar spoon, strainer and peeler promptly to avoid stickiness from citrus oils.