There’s a lot to say about a drink that’s ultimately made up of just two ingredients. Over time, the dry martini has earned a reputation for being complicated – from how to order it, to how dry is too dry, to whether olives or a twist are the right choice.
I’m not a bartender, but as a long-time martini drinker, I’ve learned that understanding the basics makes all the difference. Think of this as a simple martini 101. Enough to help you feel confident, find your preferences, and enjoy the process of drinking (and making) a really good martini.
Understanding the Building Blocks of a Dry Martini
Base spirit
Your choice here is gin or vodka. Gin is generally considered the classic option, as it brings botanical complexity and extra flavour to the drink, whereas vodka creates a much cleaner, more neutral martini. Whichever you choose, quality matter! With so few ingredients, you’ll taste everything.
Ratio
The ratio of spirit to vermouth is entirely personal. Martinis can range from equal parts all the way up to 15:1. The less vermouth you use, the drier the martini; higher amounts of vermouth result in a wetter, more aromatic drink. Finding your preferred ratio is part of the fun. A quick note on vermouth: once opened, it should be stored in the fridge and ideally used within a few weeks. Old vermouth can make even a well-made martini taste flat or overly bitter.
Seasonings & Garnishes
Seasoning is optional, but common additions include orange bitters, olive brine (for a dirty martini), or a small amount of saline solution. Garnishes can be as simple as a lemon twist or olives, or a pickled onion will turn your martini into a Gibson.
Shake or Stir
The big question: shake or stir? Martini traditionalists will insist on stirring, and it’s also my preference. Shaking chills a drink quickly but introduces more dilution and can create a cloudy appearance. Stirring, on the other hand, produces a gently chilled martini with a silky mouthfeel and beautiful clarity.
More Cocktails to Try
If you enjoy timeless cocktails that focus on balance, technique, and flavour, you might also like these:
- Sazerac – A bold, spirit-forward New Orleans classic with rye, bitters, and an absinthe rinse.
- Pickle Martini – A briny, savoury twist on a dirty martini, made with pickle juice and finished with a pickle garnish.
- Zero Proof Breakfast Martini – A bright, citrus-forward, alcohol-free option that delivers all the flavour and ritual of a classic cocktail, without the alcohol.
📖 Recipe
Dry Martini
Ingredients
- 60 mL gin
- 15 mL dry vermouth
- 1 dash orange bitters
- Lemon zest
Instructions
- In a mixing glass add gin, vermouth and bitters.
- Add ice and stir for 45-60 seconds to chill. Strain into a chilled martini glass.
- Express lemon zest over the top of your martini and drop into your drink to serve.
Notes
- You want an ice cold martini. Therefore, chill the glass prior to making your cocktail. I like to keep the gin I use for martinis in the freezer, and dry vermouth is always stored in the fridge. Chills the drink from the get go!
Leave a comment