The Martini Cocktail
The Martini is an iconic cocktail consisting of gin or vodka, and maybe vermouth. The classic martini recipe calls for vermouth, but many people order theirs dry, or extra dry, meaning reduce the vermouth, or remove it entirely, save for a brief rinse of the glass.
While this cocktail was originally stirred and made with gin, it’s now just as often shaken with vodka. It’s technically better to stir, as the flavours of the vermouth diminish when vigorously shaken with ice, but it’s how James Bond ordered his, and so it’s how many people order theirs.
How to Make a Martini Cocktail
- Gin or vodka. Hendricks or Nemiroff wouldn’t disappoint.
- Dry vermouth. Dolin Dry is a nice option that’ll add the right complexity.
- Lemon expressions or olives for garnishes.
Bartender Tips
- Stirred not shaken is the first pro tip, as this will result in a prefect cold cocktail that remains silky smooth in texture. Shaking vermouth diminishes flavour by bruising the aromatics in the fortified wine.
- Keeping the gin or vodka frozen can help by allowing the Martini to get even colder without over diluting, and just is a nice touch.
Variations
Martini variations cater to a range of palates, each with a distinctive twist on the classic. A Dry Martini keeps it simple with a mix of 2.75 oz of gin or vodka and 0.25 oz of dry vermouth, stirred and strained into a chilled glass.
For those who enjoy a bit more complexity and a savoury edge, a Dirty Martini incorporates olive brine.
The Martinez offers a sweeter and slightly spiced profile, blending sweet vermouth with bitters for a richer, aromatic experience. Each variation offers a unique take on the traditional Martini, allowing drinkers to explore different dimensions of this iconic cocktail.
Not particularly a martini, but the Espresso Martini is one of the most popular cocktails in recent years, retaining the spirit forward nature, but adding in fresh espresso and coffee liqueur.
The Vesper is the cocktail that started the Bond trend, as it was what the spy originally ordered in the books. A Vesper consists of two parts gin, one part vodka, and one part Lillet Blanc, which is a sweet fortified wine that’s crisp and clear. It’s a more complex Martini with subtle sweet notes.
