Martini Recipe

About the Martini

The Martini is a timeless classic cocktail, traditionally consisting of gin and dry vermouth, and commonly garnished with olives or a lemon twist. Since its introduction, the Martini has become one of the best known and most recognizable cocktails of all time.Such is the Martini's popularity that the cocktail's name is used to reference the glassware it's served in—the Martini glass, aka the cocktail glass.James Bond, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Ernest Hemingway, and other fictional and historical greats have been known to enjoy the Martini, and it has been associated with high society and good living for over a century.The history of the Martini is an interesting one, rife with fascinating as well as controversial accounts of the origin of this iconic cocktail. It's worth diving into if you're a diehard Martini fan.What's in a Martini?The classic Martini recipe consists of dry gin, dry vermouth, and an olive or lemon peel garnish. Some recipes also call for orange bitters, which add a subtle note of bright citrus to the mix.For the best Martinis, it's important to use high-quality gin and vermouth. It's less important to identify a "best gin" or "best vermouth," as today there are lots of quality options in each category, and many bottles can make a delicious Martini with subtle flavor nuances.As with many classic recipes, creative bartenders have left their respective marks on the drink. Traditionally a gin-based cocktail, the Martini has over the years been commonly made with vodka or other spirits, as well as different types of vermouths. Experimentation with the ratio of gin to vermouth—as well as the use of alternative ingredients such as olive brine—has spawned a slew of Martini variations, many that are classics in their own right.The Dirty Martini adds a splash of olive juice to the traditional recipe.The Dry Martini uses more gin and less vermouth.The 50/50 Martini uses equal parts gin and dry vermouth.The Perfect Martini combines gin with equal parts dry and sweet vermouth.The Vodka Martini swaps gin for vodka.The Vesper Martini, made famous by James Bond in Ian Fleming's novel Casino Royale, includes both gin and vodka and swaps out vermouth for Lillet Blanc, a French aperitif.These are just several of the many Martini variations you will find with a little digging—many of them great, but some not so great. The '80s and '90s were rife with "Martinis" sporting all manner of fruit juices and syrups. The only thing these drinks had in common with the real thing was the 'tini suffix amended to the end of the name.How to make a Martini cocktail?Despite the popular but misplaced movie catchphrase "shaken, not stirred," the Martini is a stirred drink that is served up.The classic Martini cocktail is very easy to make. Just pour your ingredients into a mixing glass (not a shaker), and stir with plenty of ice until the drink is very cold. Then strain the contents into a chilled cocktail glass, garnish, and serve.