Classic Martini Recipe

Chill glass

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

If using ice water to chill, empty the glass and dry it just before straining the cocktail.

Measure and combine

Add 2.5 oz gin or vodka and 0.5 oz dry vermouth to a mixing glass or cocktail shaker. Use a jigger to measure precisely.

Add ice

Fill the mixing glass or shaker with large ice cubes until nearly full (about 6 cubes). The large cubes melt slower and chill without over-diluting.

Stir (or shake) to chill and dilute

Stir gently with a bar spoon for 20–30 seconds (about 15–20 rotations) if making a classic clear martini. If you prefer a slightly different texture and a colder, more aerated drink, shake vigorously for 8–10 seconds in a cocktail shaker. Stirring preserves clarity and a silky mouthfeel; shaking creates tiny air bubbles and a colder drink.

Taste/adjust (optional)

If you prefer a drier martini, you can reduce vermouth to 0.25 oz or rinse the glass with vermouth instead of adding it to the mixing glass. If preferred wetter, increase vermouth to 0.75–1 oz. Make adjustments before straining.

Prepare lemon oil

Cut a 1-inch wide strip of lemon peel (avoiding too much pith). Hold the peel between thumb and forefinger with the outside of the peel facing down over the chilled glass. Give the peel a firm twist to express the oils over the surface of the drink so a fine mist of citrus oil lands on the cocktail.

Rub rim and drop or discard

After expressing oils, lightly rub the peel around the rim of the glass. You may then drop the twist into the drink for aroma and appearance or discard it if you prefer just the expressed oils.

Strain the mixed martini into the chilled martini glass using a strainer. Serve immediately.

Serve as an aperitif. Recommend serving with a small snack like olives or nuts. If the guest prefers a classic olive garnish, substitute the lemon oil step with a skewer of 1–3 green olives and drop into the glass.