Instructions
- Chill the glass:
- Place a martini glass in the freezer for a few minutes or fill it with ice water to chill while you prepare the cocktail.
- Combine ingredients:
- In a mixing glass or shaker, add 2 ½ oz (75 ml) gin (or vodka for a vodka martini) and ½ oz (15 ml) dry vermouth.
- Stir or shake:
- Add ice to the mixing glass or shaker. Stir for 30 seconds for a smooth, silky texture, or shake for a more chilled, slightly frothy texture.
- Strain into the glass:
- Discard the ice from the martini glass and strain the mixture into the chilled glass.
- Garnish:
- Garnish with either a lemon twist (for a zesty touch) or 1-2 olives (for a savory kick).
Explore
Martini variations
Classic Martini vs Vesper Martini
Ingredients
- 2 ½ oz (75 ml) gin or vodka – The base spirit for this classic cocktail.
- ½ oz (15 ml) dry vermouth – Adds depth and complexity with a hint of herbal notes.
- Ice – For chilling and mixing.
- Lemon twist or olives – For garnish, depending on your flavor preference.
Bartending Tips
Perfecting a Martini involves not just the right ingredients, but also the proper technique and presentation. Here are some professional mixology tips for making an exceptional Martini:
The Right Glass Matters: Serving your Martini in a chilled glass is essential. A cold glass keeps the drink cool and adds to the overall experience. Simply place the glass in the freezer for a few minutes before serving.
Stir, Don’t Shake: Stirring your Martini instead of shaking it prevents over-dilution from broken ice. Use a long spoon and gently stir the drink for about 30 seconds. This method ensures a smoother, clearer cocktail with the right dilution and temperature.
Garnish Game: The garnish can greatly influence the Martini’s flavor profile. A lemon twist adds a bright, citrusy aroma, enhancing the gin’s botanicals. An olive, on the other hand, introduces a briny, savory note. Experiment with different garnishes to find what complements your Martini style best.
Food Pairing
Pairing the perfect food with a Martini can transform your cocktail experience into a sophisticated and enjoyable event. Here’s a comprehensive list of ten ideal pairing options for a Martini:
- Mixed Nuts: Almonds, cashews, and pistachios offer a satisfying crunch that pairs well with the Martini’s dry bitterness.
- Pretzels or Salted Popcorn: These simple, salty snacks are effective in complementing the Martini’s flavors.
- Marcona Almonds or Herb-Marinated Olives: For a gourmet twist, these options offer a delightful contrast to the Martini’s dryness.
- Cheese Platter: Mild, creamy cheeses like Brie, Camembert, or soft goat cheese harmonize beautifully with the Martini’s crispness.
- Simple, Unseasoned Crackers: These provide a neutral base that lets the Martini and cheese flavors shine through.
- Raw Oysters: Their clean, briny flavors offer a sophisticated and salty contrast to the Martini.
- Smoked Salmon: Its rich texture and flavor pair excellently with the Martini’s crispness.
- Scallops or Shrimp Cocktails: These seafood options enhance the Martini’s clean and briny notes.
- Dark Chocolate: A high-quality dark chocolate’s bitterness intriguingly complements the Martini’s profile.
- Lemon or Lime-infused Dishes: Citrusy dishes, such as ceviche or lemon-brined olives, can accentuate the Martini’s citrus notes.
Martini FAQ
What is a classic Martini made from?
A classic Martini is made from gin (or vodka), dry vermouth, and garnished with either a lemon twist or olives. It’s a simple, bold cocktail with clean, crisp flavors.
Should a Martini be stirred or shaken?
Traditionally, a Martini is stirred to create a smooth texture without too much dilution. However, many people enjoy it shaken for a colder, slightly frothy texture, made famous by James Bond’s “shaken, not stirred” order.
How should a Martini be served?
A Martini is typically served in a chilled martini glass, garnished with either a lemon twist or olives.
Can I adjust the amount of vermouth in a Martini?
Yes! You can adjust the amount of dry vermouth based on your preference. A dry Martini has less vermouth, while a wet Martini has more vermouth for a more balanced, slightly sweeter flavor.
What is a Dirty Martini?
A Dirty Martini is made by adding a splash of olive brine to the mix, giving the drink a savory, salty flavor. It’s typically garnished with olives.
