Classic Martini Recipe

Time15m

Serves1

Gin or Vodka, Dry Vermouth, lemon or olive

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Ingredients

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1
Chill glass
Place a cocktail (martini) glass in the freezer for at least 10 minutes or fill it with ice and cold water while you prepare the drink to chill it.
2
If you used ice and water to chill, empty the glass and set it aside while you mix the martini.

3
Combine spirits and vermouth
Fill a mixing glass or cocktail shaker with the listed ice (about 1 cup). Pour 3 oz gin or vodka and 0.5 oz dry vermouth over the ice.
4
Stir or shake
For a classic martini, use a bar spoon to stir the mixture gently for 20–30 seconds until well chilled (about 15–20 full rotations). If you prefer a shaken martini (bruised style), shake vigorously for 10–15 seconds. Stirring yields a clearer, smoother drink; shaking produces more dilution and a colder, slightly more aerated drink.
5
Taste and adjust (optional)
If you prefer a drier martini, reduce the vermouth to 0.25 oz. For an extra-dry martini, you can rinse the chilled glass with 0.25 oz vermouth and discard the excess before pouring the spirit. Adjust to your preference.
6
Strain
Using a julep strainer (if stirred) or the shaker's strainer, strain the chilled liquid into the prepared chilled cocktail glass, leaving the ice behind.

7
Olive garnish
Skewer the pitted green olive on a cocktail pick and place it in the martini, letting it rest on the bottom or float slightly.
8
Lemon twist garnish
If using a lemon peel, take a 1-inch wide strip of zest, twist it over the drink to express the oils, rub the rim of the glass with the peel if desired, then drop the twist into the glass or hang it on the rim.
9
Serve immediately while very cold.