The Classic Martini: The Drink That’s Always in Style

The classic martini is that cocktail that just gets it right every time. It’s sharp, simple and totally customizable. Whether you’re team gin or vodka, it’s the kinda drink that just whispers, yeah, I’ve got taste.

First sip? Ice cold, clean and kinda powerful. A little lemon twist lifts the whole thing without stealing the spotlight from the booze. And when it’s done right, that martini glass feels like a mini celebration in your hand.

Perfect for starting a night, wrapping up a long day, or just showing off to that friend who only drinks the classics. And the best part? Once you nail the basics, you can tweak it a million ways… wet, dry, bone dry, dirty, shaken or stirred. The possibilities are endless.

What It Is & Where It Comes From

The martini is like the little black dress of cocktails… always classic, always in style. It’s been around since the early 1900s, popping up in fancy bars and speakeasies, but nobody really agrees on where it actually started. Some say it was born in San Francisco, others swear it was New York.

Back then, it was all about gin and dry vermouth. Over time, vodka muscled its way in and now it’s a whole debate… gin purists vs. vodka fans. But no matter which side you’re on, a good martini’s gotta be ice-cold, smooth and just a little bit strong.

Today, it’s the drink you order when you wanna feel classy without even trying. And once you get the hang of it, you can play around with different versions… dirty, wet, bone dry, with a twist or a couple olives.

How to Make the Perfect Martini at Home

Making a killer martini at home isn’t hard but it’s not just throwing booze in a glass either. A little prep, the right ingredients and a few key moves can level up your martini game fast.

• Choose quality spirits: A good gin or vodka makes all the difference… cheap stuff will taste like cheap stuff
• Chill everything: The glass, the shaker, even the booze if you can. Warm martinis just don’t hit the same
• Get your ratios right: Too much vermouth turns it into a soggy mess… too little and it’s basically a shot
• Stir don’t shake: Shaking makes it cloudy and full of ice chips… a slow steady stir keeps it smooth
• Pick your garnish: Lemon twist for a fresh zing or olives for that salty hit… keep it simple
• Serve it ice cold: The first sip should be like a chill bomb… crisp clean and strong

Food Pairing Ideas for martinis

A martini might look all sleek and sophisticated, but it’s basically a salty, boozy blank slate. Pair it with the right snacks and you’re golden.

Olives: Keep it classic… briny and bold, they bring out the dry, crisp notes.

Oysters: Fresh, icy and a little salty… they’re basically the martini of the sea.

Almonds: Roasted and lightly salted… crunchy, nutty and perfect with a cold sip.

Charcuterie: Salty meats like prosciutto or salami… pair them with some soft cheese.

Lemon Zest Popcorn: Sounds weird but trust… that citrus hit just works.

Cheese Board: Go for strong, salty flavors… blue cheese, aged cheddar, manchego.

Crafting the Perfect Martini

This classic martini strikes a balance between dry and smooth, featuring high-quality gin or vodka, a splash of vermouth and a garnish to elevate its presentation. Each sip offers a crisp, clean taste that’s both refreshing and invigorating.

Ingredients for the Classic Martini

• 2 1/2 Ounces Gin
• 1/2 Ounce Dry Vermouth
• Ice cubes
• Lemon twist or olive for garnish

Zero-Proof Martini: Swap the gin or vodka for a non-alcoholic botanical spirit. Replace the vermouth with a splash of tonic or a dash of olive brine for that classic bite. Crisp, clean and totally martini without the buzz.

Instructions

1. Chill the Glass: Begin by chilling your martini glass in the freezer or by filling it with ice water while you prepare the cocktail.
2. Mix the Ingredients: In a mixing glass, combine the gin or vodka and dry vermouth. Fill the mixing glass with ice cubes.
3. Stir: Stir the mixture gently for about 30 seconds to chill and dilute the drink to your desired taste.
4. Strain: Remove the ice from your chilled martini glass and strain the cocktail mixture into the glass.
5. Garnish: Add a lemon twist to your martini for the perfect finishing touch.

Prep Times

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 5 minutes

Nutrition Information

• Servings: 1 cocktail
• Calories: 179kcal
• Fat: 1g
• Protein: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 10g

Martini Variations to Try

Once you’ve nailed the basics, it’s time to mix things up. A few simple tweaks can totally change the vibe of your martini.

Dirty Martini: Add a splash of olive brine… salty, bold, and a little brash.

Wet Martini: Use more vermouth… smooths it out and softens the booze hit.

Bone Dry Martini: Just a whisper of vermouth… basically a glass of straight gin or vodka.

Gibson: Swap the olive or lemon twist for a pickled onion… adds a sharp, tangy kick.

Vesper Martini: Mix gin and vodka with a touch of Lillet Blanc… the James Bond special.

Spicy Martini: Add a dash of hot sauce or muddle a jalapeño… kicks it up a notch.

Need inspiration for some other gin based cocktails like the classic martini? Why not try a gin and tonic, a Tom Collins or a Dirty Martini?

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Yield: 1

Classic Martini Cocktail Recipe

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A timeless classic: Gin, dry vermouth, stirred or shaken with ice, garnished with a lemon twist or olive. Sophisticated, crisp, and effortlessly cool.

Prep Time 5 minutes

Total Time 5 minutes

Ingredients

• 75 ml Gin
• 15 ml Ounce Dry Vermouth
• Ice cubes
• Lemon twist or olive for garnish

Instructions

1. Chill the Glass: Begin by chilling your martini glass in the freezer or by filling it with ice water while you prepare the cocktail.
2. Mix the Ingredients: In a mixing glass, combine the gin or vodka and dry vermouth. Fill the mixing glass with ice cubes.
3. Stir: Stir the mixture gently for about 30 seconds to chill and dilute the drink to your desired taste.
4. Strain: Remove the ice from your chilled martini glass and strain the cocktail mixture into the glass.
5. Garnish: Add a lemon twist to your martini for the perfect finishing touch.

Notes

Zero-Proof Martini: Swap the gin or vodka for a non-alcoholic botanical spirit. Replace the vermouth with a splash of tonic or a dash of olive brine for that classic bite. Crisp, clean and totally martini without the buzz.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

1

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 179Total Fat: 1gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 33mgCarbohydrates: 10gFiber: 2gSugar: 2gProtein: 1g

This nutrition information was automatically calculated by Nutritionix, but may not be 100% accurate.