Martini cocktail

The classic Martini cocktail is a classic drink made with gin and dry vermouth, and garnished with an olive or a lemon twist. The drink has a very delicate, incomparable taste and is highly recommended to try.

The Dry Martini cocktail was likely created by Martini di Arma di Taggia who was an Italian immigrant working as a bartender in New York. In 1912, Mr. Martini mixed two parts of gin with one part of dry vermouth, added a drop of orange bitterness, and called his creation "Dry Martini".

The proportions in this cocktail can vary greatly, from Wet Martini with a lot of vermouth to Naked Martini, in which the glass is rinsed with vermouth before the gin is poured into it.

We also have recipes for similar Martini drinks like the Espresso Martini, Porn Star Martini, a Cherry Martini and a French Martini.

  • Total Time:
  • Type: Cocktail
  • Units: 2.5

Equipment

  • martini glass

Ingredients

  • 60 ml gin
  • 10 ml dry vermouth
  • 1 lemon twist or olive (to garnish)

Instructions

  1. Combine gin and vermouth in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Stir well for 30 seconds.
  2. Strain the mix into martini glass.
  3. Garnish with olive or lemon twist and serve.
In December 1933, Dry Martini cocktail was prepared in front of TV cameras by the US President F.D. Roosevelt who was celebrating the repeal of Prohibition.

FAQ

What are the best gin cocktails?

If you like a gin cocktail we also have a roundup of the 10 best gin cocktails, it’s not official, but we think you’ll find the list quite inspiring!

How strong is a Martini?

The Martini is one of the strongest cocktails, with very little dilution. A typical 75ml serve of gin (40% ABV) with vermouth comes to around 2.5 alcohol units, stronger than citrus-led drinks like the Whiskey Sour or Tom Collins.

What’s the difference between shaken and stirred?

Stirring a Martini keeps it crystal clear and silky, while shaking clouds it with tiny ice shards and slightly dilutes the drink. James Bond’s famous “shaken, not stirred” line popularised the shaken version, though many purists still prefer it stirred.

Which garnishes change the Martini’s character?

An olive gives a savoury edge, while a lemon twist adds brightness. Swap the olive brine for a Dirty Martini, or try a Gibson with a pickled onion for something unusual. Just as garnishes transform a Negroni or Manhattan, they dramatically shift the Martini’s flavour.

Can you make a Martini sweeter?

Yes — simply increase the ratio of vermouth to gin. This creates a “wet” Martini, which is rounder and more aromatic, a contrast to the bone-dry styles many drinkers associate with the cocktail today.

Please note that the units field is an estimation, and will vary depending on the type and quantity of alcohol used. Please drink responsibly and legally.
FacebookXPinterest