The Martini is one of the most ubiquitous cocktails, and yet depending on who you ask, preparation methods vary wildly.
From using gin vs. vodka, to the garnishes you use, martinis are surprisingly versatile.
Below I’ll show you a classic dry gin martini, and the more common dirty vodka martini.
Classic Dry Martini
You Will Need:
- 2.5-3 oz. Gin (London Dry works best)
- .5-1 oz. Dry (White) Vermouth
- Orange Bitters
- Lemon (for garnish)
Directions:
- Fill a cocktail shaker a little more than halfway with ice
- Add gin and vermouth and a dash of orange bitters
- Stir vigorously (getting the mixture frosty-cold is the goal)
- Strain into martini glass
- Garnish with twist of lemon peel
- ENJOY!
Tips:
- Vermouth amounts will depend largely on personal preference; try using less than you think is enough at first, taste, and adjust accordingly
- Some people even rinse the glass with vermouth, pouring it out before the other spirits enter the glass!
- If you don’t have orange bitters on hand, don’t worry, your martini will still be delicious.
Dirty Vodka Martini
What You Will Need:
- 2.5-3 oz.Vodka
- .5 oz. Dry Vermouth
- .5 oz. Olive Brine
- Green Olives (for garnish)
Directions:
- Fill a cocktail shaker a little more than halfway with ice
- Add vodka and vermouth and a dash of olive juice (to taste)
- Stir vigorously
- Strain into martini glass
- Garnish with olives, usually 1-3 (as many as you like!)
- ENJOY!
Tips:
- For the hardcore dirty martini fan, we offer olive brine sold by itself, so you don’t run out before the olives do!
Martini Ingredient Recommendations:
Gin:
- Budget: New Amsterdam, Monopolowa, Tanqueray, Broker’s
- Mid-Shelf: Tanqueray Ten, Walter Collective, Aria, Deluxe
- Top-tier: Barr Hill, Nikka, Hven
Vodka:
- Budget: Sobieski, Monopolowa
- Mid-Shelf: Tito’s, Crater Lake, North Sister
- Top-tier: Hven, Jewel of Russia
Vermouth:
- Dolin
- Vaya
Olives:
- Sausalito (Blue cheese-stuffed are amazing!)