Cocktails 
Maybe I’ve seen too many Bond films, but for me, the martini has always embodied class and mystique. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve come to appreciate that it’s just a great drink. Like all my favorite drinks, it’s simple: a strong spirit (gin or vodka) vermouth (fortified wine) and a good garnish. This recipe is for a somewhat “dry” martini, since there is a 5-1 ratio of gin or vodka to vermouth. You can increase the vermouth to make it “wetter,” though I have always been a dry martini girl. And to answer the question on everyone’s minds: I’m definitely team stirred. Sorry, James!
INGREDIENTS
- 2 ½ ounces gin or vodka
- ½ ounce dry vermouth
- Ice cubes
- Lemon twist or olive for garnish
KITCHEN TOOLS
- Cocktail shaker
- Mixing glass (optional)
- Bar spoon or long-handled spoon
- Cocktail strainer
- Martini glass
INSTRUCTIONS
Step 1: Chill the martini glass.
- Place the martini glass in the freezer for about 10 minutes to chill. A cold glass helps keep the martini refreshing.
Step 2: Fill the shaker with ice.
- Fill the cocktail shaker with ice cubes. This will help chill the ingredients as you mix them.
Step 3: Add the gin or vodka.
- Pour 2 ½ ounces of gin or vodka into the shaker. The choice between gin and vodka depends on your personal preference.
Step 4: Add the dry vermouth.
- Pour ½ ounce of dry vermouth into the shaker. Adjust the amount to suit your taste. If you prefer a drier martini, you can reduce the vermouth or even make it a “dry martini” by just rinsing the glass with vermouth.
Step 5: Stir or shake the mixture.
- Using a bar spoon or long-handled spoon, stir the mixture in the shaker for about 15-20 seconds. Alternatively, you can shake the shaker vigorously for about 10-15 seconds. Stirring is the traditional method, while shaking adds more aeration and can result in a slightly different texture.
Step 6: Strain into the chilled glass.
- Place the cocktail strainer on top of the shaker and strain the mixture into the chilled martini glass. This will remove any ice or solid particles from the drink.
Step 7: Garnish the martini.
- Garnish the martini with a lemon twist or an olive, depending on your preference. To make a lemon twist, peel a thin strip of lemon zest, twist it gently over the drink to release the oils, and drop it into the glass. For an olive garnish, simply place one or two olives on a cocktail pick and place it in the glass.
Step 8: Serve and enjoy!
- Your classic martini is now ready to be served. Enjoy it slowly and savor the flavors. Cheers!
If you enjoyed this article or have suggestions on how we can improve it, please leave us a comment below. Also, make sure to check out other cooking lesson articles I’ve created – here.
