Gin Martini
The Classic Martini is one of the most iconic cocktails ever created. Crisp, elegant, and spirit-forward, a well-made gin martini highlights the botanical character of premium gin with the perfect balance of dry and blanc vermouth. Whether you're learning how to make a martini for the first time or refining your technique, this classic recipe delivers a smooth, perfectly chilled cocktail every time.
Prep Time: 3 minutes
Servings: 1 cocktail
Ingredients
2½ oz premium gin
½ oz dry vermouth
¼ oz blanc vermouth
2 dashes orange bitters
Large, clear ice cubes
Lemon twist or 1 Castelvetrano olive, for garnish
Instructions
1. Chill the Glass: Place a martini glass in the freezer for at least 10 minutes before making your cocktail. A properly chilled glass helps keep your martini cold from the first sip to the last.
2. Combine the Ingredients: Fill a mixing glass with large, clear ice cubes. Add the gin, dry vermouth, blanc vermouth, and orange bitters.
3. Stir: Using a bar spoon, stir gently for about 30 seconds until the cocktail is thoroughly chilled and slightly diluted. Stirring - not shaking - creates the signature silky texture and crystal-clear appearance of a classic gin martini.
4. Strain: Double-strain the cocktail into the chilled martini glass to remove any small ice shards and achieve an exceptionally smooth finish.
5. Garnish: For a classic citrus-forward martini, express a lemon twist over the surface of the drink to release its aromatic oils, then place it in the glass. For a richer, savory finish, garnish with a Castelvetrano olive instead.
Serve immediately and enjoy your classic gin Martini.
Notes
The Best Gin for a Martini
A premium London Dry gin or a floral, contemporary gin works beautifully in this recipe. Look for a gin with balanced botanical notes that complement rather than overpower the vermouth.
Why Use Both Dry and Blanc Vermouth?
Dry vermouth provides the crisp, herbal backbone of a traditional martini, while blanc vermouth contributes subtle floral notes and a touch of softness, creating a more rounded and balanced cocktail.
Stir, Don't Shake
A classic martini should always be stirred with ice rather than shaken. Stirring chills the drink while maintaining its silky texture and crystal-clear appearance.
Use Large Ice Cubes
Large, dense ice cubes melt more slowly than smaller cubes, allowing the cocktail to chill properly without becoming overly diluted.
Choosing Your Garnish
A lemon twist brightens the martini with fresh citrus aromas, while a Castelvetrano olive adds a delicate buttery, slightly briny character. Both are classic choices, so choose based on your personal preference.
Pro Tips
Chill both your glass and mixing glass before making the cocktail.
Use fresh vermouth and refrigerate it after opening.
Measure ingredients accurately for the perfect balance.
Stir for about 30 seconds for ideal temperature and dilution.
Always use fresh lemon peel for the brightest citrus aroma.
Why You'll Love This Classic Martini Recipe
Elegant, timeless, and easy to make
Ready in just 3 minutes
Perfectly balanced botanical flavor
Smooth, crystal-clear finish
An iconic cocktail for any occasion