Discover how to make the perfect Vodka Martini — a sleek and icy cocktail made with high-quality vodka and dry vermouth, stirred or shaken to chilled perfection. This polished classic is ideal for elegant evenings, dinner parties, or a James Bond–inspired cocktail hour.
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Chill your glass: Place your martini or coupe glass in the freezer, or fill with ice water to chill while you prep.
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Combine ingredients: Add vodka and dry vermouth to a mixing glass filled with ice.
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Stir or shake:
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For a classic smooth texture, stir for 30–40 seconds.
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For a Bond-style martini with slight dilution and aeration, shake vigorously for 15 seconds.
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Strain: Discard the ice or water from the chilled glass and strain the cocktail into it.
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Garnish: Add a lemon twist (for brightness) or a green olive (for brininess), depending on preference.
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Caviar or blinis
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Chilled shrimp cocktail
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Stuffed olives or pickled vegetables
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Goat cheese crostini
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Sushi or sashimi
The clean profile of vodka allows bold, salty, or umami-rich foods to shine.
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Choose premium vodka: This cocktail is spirit-forward — smooth, high-quality vodka like Grey Goose, Belvedere, or Chopin makes all the difference.
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Vermouth balance: Want it drier? Use less vermouth. A 5:1 ratio (vodka to vermouth) is common for a dry martini.
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Dirty Martini twist: Add 0.5 oz olive brine for a Dirty Vodka Martini.
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Chill everything: The colder the glass and ingredients, the more elegant and bracing the final drink.
The Vodka Martini gained global fame in the mid-20th century, especially through pop culture and cinema. James Bond’s preference for “shaken, not stirred” turned this drink into an icon — though most bartenders recommend stirring to preserve clarity and texture.