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.
Chill your glass: Place your martini or coupe glass in the freezer, or fill with ice water to chill while you prep.
Combine ingredients: Add vodka and dry vermouth to a mixing glass filled with ice.
Stir or shake:
For a classic smooth texture, stir for 30–40 seconds.
For a Bond-style martini with slight dilution and aeration, shake vigorously for 15 seconds.
Strain: Discard the ice or water from the chilled glass and strain the cocktail into it.
Garnish: Add a lemon twist (for brightness) or a green olive (for brininess), depending on preference.
Caviar or blinis
Chilled shrimp cocktail
Stuffed olives or pickled vegetables
Goat cheese crostini
Sushi or sashimi
The clean profile of vodka allows bold, salty, or umami-rich foods to shine.
Choose premium vodka: This cocktail is spirit-forward — smooth, high-quality vodka like Grey Goose, Belvedere, or Chopin makes all the difference.
Vermouth balance: Want it drier? Use less vermouth. A 5:1 ratio (vodka to vermouth) is common for a dry martini.
Dirty Martini twist: Add 0.5 oz olive brine for a Dirty Vodka Martini.
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.
1 servings