Do you know how to make a classic vodka martini? Here’s a hint: It only takes three ingredients — vodka, vermouth, and lemon zest — and you definitely shouldn’t shake it.
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Drinking a martini feels like a very grown-up thing: sophisticated, classy, current.
The right way to make a martini
I’m sorry James Bond. “Shaken, not stirred” is not the right way to make a martini. The right way to make a martini is stir and don’t shake.
Drinks with juice, such as lemon or lime, should be shaken to mix the ingredients thoroughly. But a citrus-free cocktail, like a martini, that has just two ingredients — vodka and vermouth — doesn’t need to be shaken.
In fact, shaking makes the drink look cloudy and less visually appealing. A martini: always stirred, never shaken.
What vodka to use in a martini?
This is a very spirited drink. You’ll definitely taste the alcohol, so it’s a good time to use a quality vodka. I like Ketel One, but any vodka you prefer will work.
A little bit about vermouth
Vermouth is an fortified wine that has been flavored with herbs and botanicals. (Try it yourself—it’s pretty tasty!) Vermouth comes in a few different varieties, but the most common ones you’ll encounter are Cute (Italian) and dry (French).
For a martini you will want dry vermouth, which adds a herbal nuance to the smoothness of vodka. I recommend the dry vermouth from Dolin or Noilly Prat.
If you’re looking for a sweeter, smoother drink, try a white vermouth like Dolin Blanc, which combines the sweetness of a red vermouth with the dryness of a white.
The best vodka to vermouth ratio
Vermouth has its own martini controversy, namely: How much should you add?
Opinions differ. Some say you should mix 4 parts vodka with 1 part vermouth; others recommend simply rinsing the glass with vermouth before pouring the vodka in, and some drinkers skip the vermouth altogether! (The last one isn’t actually a cocktail, more like a chilled glass of vodka, but hey, do what makes you happy!)
Personally, I think a roughly 3:1 ratio of vodka to vermouth is the way to go.
Do you love a good cocktail? Try these recipes!
- Classic margarita
- Pomegranate Paloma
- Blood Orange French 75 Cocktail
- Mojito with mint and lime
- Autumn flavored old fashioned
Classic vodka martini
It should be noted that the other Classic Martini is a gin martini, so feel free to head that direction if that’s more your style!
ingredients
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3 ounces of vodka
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3/4 ounce dry vermouth
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Lemon peel
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Ice
method
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Mix vodka and vermouth:
Fill a mixing glass or pint glass with ice. Add vodka and vermouth.
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stir:
Stir for at least 30 seconds.
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Prepare your glass:
Leave the drink on for a minute. Meanwhile, rub a lemon zest around the rim of a cocktail glass.
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stress:
Strain the drink into the glass and add the lemon zest. Sip and enjoy!
