The Gin Martini is the ultimate classic cocktail — a crisp, elegant blend of gin and dry vermouth, stirred over ice and finished with a lemon twist or olive. Perfect for refined sipping, this timeless drink pairs beautifully with light appetizers and salty snacks.
Chill your glass: Place a martini or coupe glass in the freezer or fill it with ice water while you prepare the drink.
Mix the cocktail: In a mixing glass filled with ice, combine gin and vermouth.
Stir: Stir gently (but firmly) for about 30–40 seconds until the mixture is very cold.
Strain: Discard the ice or water from your chilled glass. Strain the mixture into it.
Garnish: Express the oils of a lemon twist over the drink and drop it in — or go traditional with a green olive on a cocktail pick.
Oysters 🦪
Marcona almonds
Briny olives or anchovy-stuffed peppers
Cucumber sandwiches or smoked salmon crostini
The crispness of the gin complements salty, umami-rich bites exquisitely.
Choose your gin wisely: A clean, aromatic London Dry gin like Tanqueray, Bombay Sapphire, or Beefeater is ideal.
Vermouth freshness matters: Dry vermouth should be stored in the fridge and used within a month for the best flavor.
Stir, don’t shake: Shaking aerates and dilutes; stirring ensures clarity and a smoother texture.
Customize your ratio: A dry martini uses less vermouth (5:1); a wetter version may be closer to 3:1 or even 2:1.
Dirty Martini fan? Add a splash of olive brine and garnish with an olive for that salty, savory touch.
The Martini was born in the late 19th to early 20th century and gained momentum through the roaring '20s and Hollywood's golden era. Though famously ordered “shaken, not stirred” by James Bond, true aficionados know — stirring keeps the elegance intact.
1 servings