Perfect Classic Martini

How to prepare a classic dry martini: this crystal clear cocktail that exudes sophistication! Gin and vermouth are all you need for this iconic drink.

What makes the best martini? The martini is one of the most iconic cocktails of all time. People have been drinking it for a century. With a single sip it announces itself: lively, fresh, burning and avant-garde. It is steeped in tradition and there is no other cocktail with so many variations: shaken or stirred, gin or vodka, neat or on the rocks. But here’s how to make a classic dry martini…the one better Away. (Although we like ours to be dirty too…)

What’s in a Dry Martini?

The Dry Martini is one of the most famous cocktails of all time. The exact origin is unknown. But the most common theory is that it’s based on another 1860s cocktail called Martinez, which was likely named after Martinez, California. The first printed recipe for a martini dates back to 1888, but it looked more like the Martinez than it does today. In the 1920s, the drink reached its current form and is still iconic today! The dry martini is on the International Bartender Association’s list of official IBA cocktails, meaning it has an official definition:

Gin martini vs vodka martini

Yes, the classic definition of a martini uses gin. But there’s an age-old debate about whether a martini should be made with gin or vodka. Here are our two cents:

• A martini should be made with gin. Period. In our taste bud of a gin martini vs. vodka martini, gin won hands down. Why? The taste is intriguing and botanical, perfectly balanced with the subtle taste of dry vermouth.
• Don’t waste your time with a vodka martini! Since vodka is almost tasteless, a vodka martini tastes a bit like bitter water with a spicy, alcoholic aftertaste. Stand up for everything you love (let us know in the comments!). But for us, we might as well drink straight vodka.

Moved, not shaken! (Sorry James Bond.)

Should you stir or shake a martini? There is a simple answer to that. A dry martini needs stirring. All bartenders know this rule: if a drink contains only alcohol, it should be stirred with ice. Why? Shaking in a shaker dilutes the drink with melting ice. This technique is mainly used for sour cocktails. When James Bond asked to be shaken, it really is an amateur gesture. (Though if you like yours shaken, we won’t argue!)

What do you mix a cocktail with? A cocktail glass and a long bar spoon. If you don’t have one, you can use your shaker, tall glass or metal mug, and any long spoon you like. But if you want to look like you know your cocktails, use a mixing glass! Here is a cocktail glass that we recommend.

make cold

Another tradition around the Dry Martini: it should be served chilled. It is not served with ice, so purists serve in a chilled glass. Of course, do what works for you here! It’s not necessary, but it makes the experience even more sensual. You can also serve a martini on the rocks (with ice) in an Old Fashioned glass, but we prefer ours neat.

Use the best gin for a martini

It goes without saying: Use the best gin you can find for a gin martini. There’s just a hint of vermouth in this drink: the ratio is 6 parts gin to 1 part dry vermouth. So this cocktail is all about the gin. Each bottle of gin tastes a little different and has different botanical aromas. Experiment to find your favorite!

Find a gin in the mid-range price range and above: none of the cheap stuff in a martini! Some swear by Beefeater London Dry Gin. Here we used Malfy Gin, which we highly recommend. Avoid Tanqueray Gin: It gives the martini a strong floral quality and is best used in a gin and tonic or negroni.

What is dry vermouth?

What is vermouth? Vermouth is a fortified wine, which means that alcohol has been added to the wine to make it last longer. There are two main types of vermouth: sweet wormwood (usually red) and dry wormwood (usually white).

This dry martini calls for dry vermouth. The taste of dry white vermouth is crisp and clear: on its own it tastes like a very dry white wine. Vermouth is easy to find in liquor stores and grocery stores. Be sure to keep the vermouth in the fridge: it will keep for about 3 months. Sweet red vermouth is something else entirely: It’s used in drinks like Manhattan, Negroni, and Americano. Here are all of our favorite vermouth cocktails.

Lemon twist vs. olive garnish

Last step: the filling! There are two classic ways to garnish a classic martini: with an olive and with a lemon twist! We prefer the following:

• Our top recommendation: lemon zest! The lemon zest adds a citrus zest that delivers just the right flavor nuance. To “express” citrus in a cocktail: First, squeeze the lemon zest over the drink to release the oils. Then gently guide the skin around the edge of the jar. This gives the first sip a refreshing lemon scent!
• When serving “Sale”: an olive. We like to use the olive to serve a dirty martini: with olive juice! The brackish flavor complements the taste. See recipe below for dirty variation.

And there you have it: How to Make a Perfect Martini! Let us know your thoughts in the comments below… because we know you have them.

Variants of martini

There are hundreds of ways to serve a martini! We hope you enjoy this classic dry martini. But once you’ve done it, here are some other types of martinis you can try:

• Vesper Martini Invented by James Bond, it has become a real classic! It contains Lillet Blanc.
• Gibson Cocktail The same as a martini… except for the garnish!
• French Martini Perfectly matched with vodka, pineapple juice and raspberry liqueur.
• Mexican Martini Bursting with zesty flavors, featuring lime, tequila and an olive garnish.
• Cucumber Martini This cool twist on a classic is botanical and fresh.
• Pomegranate Martini or Watermelon Martini These jewel-toned drinks are tart and light: the perfect fruity twist.
• Lemon Drop Martini This super tangy martini is made with vodka, cointreau and lemon.
• Martinez The father of the martini! This gin drink is like a cross between a martini and a Manhattan, with gin, sweet red vermouth and maraschino liqueur.

Rather classic cocktails

Here are a few more of our classic top cocktails that you might enjoy as well: