Martini Italiano Recipe

Chill the glass

Place the martini or coupe glass in the freezer for at least 5–10 minutes, or fill it with ice water while you prepare the cocktail to ensure the drink stays cold.

Combine spirits and bitters

Add 2 oz dry gin, 1 oz sweet vermouth, 0.5 oz Campari, and 2 dashes orange bitters into a mixing glass or shaker filled with the ice specified in ingredients.

Stir to chill and dilute

Using a bar spoon, stir the mixture gently for 20–30 seconds (about 15–20 full turns) until well chilled and slightly diluted. If you prefer a slightly more vigorous dilution and aeration, you may shake for 8–10 seconds, but stirring preserves clarity and mouthfeel.

Prepare the glass

If you used ice water to chill the glass, discard the ice water and quickly wipe the inside of the glass if needed so the rim is dry.

Strain and serve

Using a strainer, pour the chilled cocktail into the prepared martini or coupe glass, leaving behind the ice in the mixing glass.

Make an orange twist

Use a peeler or paring knife to cut a 1–2-inch strip of orange peel, avoiding too much of the bitter white pith. Hold it over the cocktail and give it a quick twist to express the oils over the surface, then rub the peel around the rim of the glass.

Finish

Drop the twisted peel into the drink or perch it on the rim. Optionally, add one cocktail cherry either on a pick or dropped into the glass for a slightly sweeter accent.

Rinse the mixing glass, bar spoon, and strainer promptly with warm water to remove stickiness from vermouth and Campari, then wash as usual.