Martini
- Glass
- Cocktail glass
- Difficulty
- Medium
- ABV
- ~28%
Ingredients
- 2½ ozgin75 ml
- ½ ozdry vermouth15 ml
- 1 dashorange bitters1 dash
Instructions
Chill your Nick & Nora or Martini glass in the freezer for at least 10 minutes — or fill it with ice water while you build the drink. Combine the gin, dry vermouth, and orange bitters in a mixing glass. Add a large handful of ice and stir for 30–40 rotations — about 45 seconds. You're looking for proper dilution and a silky, almost viscous texture. The drink should be ice-cold but not watery. Strain into your chilled glass. Garnish with either a lemon twist (express the oils over the surface, run it around the rim, then drop it in) or a single cocktail olive. Never both.
Sips & Tips
Technique
Stir, don't shake. Shaking a Martini introduces tiny air bubbles that cloud the drink and dilute it too quickly — you lose the silky, jewel-like quality that makes a great Martini. Use large, dense ice in your mixing glass and stir with intention. The goal is cold, diluted, and crystal clear.
Balance
The ratio is everything. A 5:1 gin-to-vermouth ratio is a good starting point, but don't be afraid of vermouth — a 3:1 or even 2:1 ratio (the 'wet' Martini) is more historically accurate and more complex. The orange bitters are optional but add a subtle aromatic depth that ties the drink together. Try Regan's No. 6.
History
The Martini's origin is genuinely disputed — the Martinez (a sweeter, Old Tom gin predecessor) is the most likely ancestor. By the early 20th century, the drink had evolved into the dry, gin-forward classic we know today. Winston Churchill famously preferred his Martini so dry he'd simply glance at the vermouth bottle. We respectfully disagree.
A great Martini is one of the most satisfying things you can make at home. It requires almost nothing — just good gin, good vermouth, and patience with the stir. Get those three things right and you'll never order one at a bar again. Cheers.
Variations
Dirty Martini
Add ½ oz of olive brine to the mixing glass along with the other ingredients. The brine adds a savory, briny depth that softens the gin's botanicals. Use a bold London Dry like Beefeater and garnish with three olives on a pick.
Gibson
Swap the olive or lemon twist for a cocktail onion. The pickled onion adds a sharp, savory note that transforms the drink entirely. Use a dry, juniper-forward gin and keep the vermouth ratio generous.
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Martini
Glass: Cocktail glass | Difficulty: Medium | ABV: ~28%
Ingredients
- 2½ oz gin
- ½ oz dry vermouth
- 1 dash orange bitters
Instructions
Chill your Nick & Nora or Martini glass in the freezer for at least 10 minutes — or fill it with ice water while you build the drink. Combine the gin, dry vermouth, and orange bitters in a mixing glass. Add a large handful of ice and stir for 30–40 rotations — about 45 seconds. You're looking for proper dilution and a silky, almost viscous texture. The drink should be ice-cold but not watery. Strain into your chilled glass. Garnish with either a lemon twist (express the oils over the surface, run it around the rim, then drop it in) or a single cocktail olive. Never both.