Classic Gin Martini

The Perfect Gin Martini: Your Ultimate Guide to Crafting a Timeless Classic

Few cocktails exude as much sophistication and timeless elegance as the Gin Martini. A true icon in the world of mixology, this classic drink masterfully blends the crisp, botanical notes of gin with the subtle herbal whispers of dry vermouth. Whether you’re unwinding after a long day, hosting a refined happy hour, or celebrating a special occasion, a well-made Gin Martini is always in vogue, offering an unparalleled experience for the discerning palate. Its simple yet profound character makes it a perennial favorite, a testament to its enduring appeal and versatility.

Garnished with olives gin martini in a coupe glass

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About the Gin Martini

This effortlessly elegant Gin Martini recipe serves as the perfect entry point into the sophisticated world of martinis. It’s a testament to the idea that you don’t need years of mixology experience to craft a truly exceptional cocktail. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and inherent customization, allowing you to highlight the unique characteristics of your chosen gin while adjusting the vermouth ratio to perfectly suit your taste. It’s an ideal choice for both novice enthusiasts and seasoned sippers alike.

The Gin Martini embodies a harmonious balance of approachability and versatility. Its preparation is refreshingly quick and straightforward, making it a reliable staple for impromptu gatherings, a relaxing evening unwind, or a meticulously planned dinner party. This recipe celebrates the art of personalization; with just a few mindful tweaks, you can easily transform it into a “dry” martini (less vermouth), a “wet” martini (more vermouth), or even a “dirty” martini (with olive brine), ensuring every sip is tailored to your exact preference.

Furthermore, you won’t need an elaborate, professional-grade home bar to achieve perfection. With a carefully selected, high-quality gin, a good dry vermouth, and a handful of fundamental bar tools, you’ll be able to enjoy a perfectly chilled, impeccably balanced martini in mere minutes. It’s a reminder that true cocktail excellence often stems from quality ingredients and thoughtful execution, rather than complexity.

Shaken or Stirred: The Enduring Debate

Ah, the age-old question that has fueled countless discussions among cocktail aficionados: should a martini be shaken or stirred? This classic debate, popularized by a certain fictional secret agent, delves into the very essence of how a martini presents itself in terms of temperature, texture, and appearance. Understanding the differences is key to crafting your ideal drink.

Traditionally, and according to purists, a Gin Martini is always *stirred*, not shaken. The primary reason for stirring spirits-only cocktails like the martini is to achieve a precise chilling and a gentle dilution without introducing air bubbles. Stirring with ice allows the liquids to mingle slowly, resulting in a crystal-clear, silky-smooth drink with a weighty mouthfeel. This method ensures that the delicate botanical aromas of the gin and the subtle herbal notes of the vermouth remain unclouded and pronounced, delivering that quintessential sleek elegance.

Shaking, on the other hand, is a more aggressive method. When you shake a cocktail with ice, you not only chill it rapidly but also introduce a greater amount of dilution and aeration. This creates tiny ice shards and air bubbles, giving the drink a cloudier appearance and a slightly frothy texture. While shaking achieves an undeniably icy-cold temperature and can add a vibrant chill, it can also “bruise” the gin, subtly altering its texture and sometimes dulling the more nuanced flavors. However, some prefer this intensely cold, slightly diluted, and aerated style, finding it more invigorating.

Ultimately, the choice between shaken or stirred comes down to your personal preference. Do you prioritize a bone-chilling coldness and a lighter, more ethereal texture, even if it means a slightly cloudy finish? Then by all means, shake away! If, however, you seek that pristine, crystal-clear appearance, the velvety texture, and the unadulterated expression of gin and vermouth, then a gentle stir is your path to martini perfection. There’s no wrong answer when it comes to enjoying your drink exactly how you like it.

gin martini with a lemon twist garnish in coupe glass

Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect Martini

A Gin Martini, at its core, is a minimalist masterpiece, relying on just two main liquid ingredients and a garnish. The simplicity means that the quality and character of each component are paramount. Choosing wisely can elevate your martini from good to truly exceptional.

Choosing Your Gin

The gin is unequivocally the star of the show in a martini, so select one that you genuinely enjoy sipping on its own. Different gins offer distinct botanical profiles, and this choice will largely define your martini’s character.

  • London Dry Gin: For a crisp, bold, and juniper-forward classic martini, London Dry gins are the traditional choice. Brands like Tanqueray (known for its strong juniper and citrus notes) or Beefeater (earthier, with prominent juniper and coriander) are excellent foundational options that deliver that iconic, punchy gin flavor.
  • New Western Dry Gin: If you prefer something a little more botanical, nuanced, or less juniper-dominant, explore New Western Dry gins. Brands like Hendrick’s (famous for cucumber and rose notes) or The Botanist (with 22 foraged Islay botanicals) offer a softer, often more floral or citrus-forward take that can create a wonderfully aromatic martini.
  • Plymouth Gin: A slightly sweeter, earthier, and less dry style than London Dry, Plymouth gin (e.g., Plymouth Gin) offers a smoother, fruitier profile that can result in a rounder, more mellow martini.

Experimentation is encouraged! Your favorite gin for a gin & tonic might also be your favorite for a martini, or you might discover a new preferred brand for this specific cocktail.

The Role of Dry Vermouth

Often underestimated or reduced to a mere “rinse,” dry vermouth is crucial. This fortified wine, infused with various botanicals, brings herbal, floral, and subtle citrusy notes that balance the gin’s robust strength. It adds complexity and depth, rounding out the spirit rather than simply diluting it. Think of vermouth as the gin’s sophisticated companion, not an afterthought.

  • Dolin Dry: A widely respected and versatile choice, Dolin Dry vermouth is known for its delicate, crisp, and slightly floral profile, making it a standard all-purpose option that won’t overpower your gin.
  • Noilly Prat Original Dry: For a slightly bolder, richer, and more robust profile that can stand up well to a strong gin, Noilly Prat is an excellent choice. It offers more pronounced herbal and oxidative notes.
  • Martini & Rossi Extra Dry: A classic and accessible option, offering a clean, dry, and slightly bitter profile.

Remember, vermouth is wine-based and oxidizes once opened. Always store it in the refrigerator after opening to preserve its delicate flavors and ensure it remains fresh for your martinis. An old, oxidized vermouth can ruin an otherwise perfect drink.

The Art of the Garnish

The garnish is not just for aesthetics; it adds an aromatic dimension that significantly impacts the martini experience. The choice of garnish can subtly, or sometimes dramatically, alter the drink’s character.

  • Lemon Twist: A thin peel of lemon zest, expertly expressed over the drink, releases fragrant citrus oils that add a bright, fresh, and slightly tangy aroma. This is a classic choice for those who prefer a clean, aromatic finish.
  • Cocktail Olives: Typically green olives (like Queen or Manzanilla), olives add a savory, briny counterpoint to the gin and vermouth. They are essential for a “dirty” martini and can offer a delightful snack as you sip. Using high-quality olives can make a real difference.
pouring a shaken dirty martini into a cocktail glass

Must-Have Bar Tools

To craft the perfect Gin Martini, a few essential tools are indispensable. Investing in quality barware will elevate your cocktail-making experience and ensure consistent results, making every martini a masterpiece.

  • Jigger: Precision is paramount in cocktail making, especially for a spirit-forward drink like the martini. A jigger, with its dual-sided measurements (typically 1 oz and 2 oz, or 0.5 oz and 1.5 oz), is key for accurately measuring your gin and vermouth. This ensures the perfect balance and consistency that distinguishes a good martini from a truly great one.
  • Cocktail Shaker or Mixing Glass: This is where the magic happens.
    • Cocktail Shaker: If you prefer a shaken martini, a good quality shaker (either a Boston shaker or a Cobbler shaker) is essential for rapidly chilling and slightly diluting your drink. The vigorous action of shaking also adds aeration, contributing to a unique texture.
    • Mixing Glass: For the traditional stirred martini, a sturdy mixing glass is a must-have. Its thick base and ample capacity allow for efficient stirring with plenty of ice, achieving that coveted crystal-clear, smooth finish without over-dilution.
  • Bar Spoon: If opting for a stirred martini, a long-handled bar spoon is crucial for smoothly stirring the ingredients in your mixing glass. Its twisted stem often aids in efficient rotation.
  • Cocktail Strainer: Whether you shake or stir, a reliable cocktail strainer (either a Hawthorne strainer for shakers or a Julep strainer for mixing glasses) is vital. It allows you to pour your perfectly chilled drink into the serving glass, leaving all the ice and any small ice shards behind, ensuring a clean and pristine presentation.
  • Martini Glasses: The vessel truly enhances the experience. Serving your martini in a properly chilled, elegant martini or coupe glass isn’t just about presentation; it keeps the drink colder for longer and concentrates the aromas. The classic inverted cone shape of a martini glass and the rounded bowl of a coupe glass are both excellent choices.

With these fundamental tools at your disposal, you’re well-equipped to embark on your journey of martini mastery, turning simple ingredients into a sophisticated libation.

Step-by-Step: Crafting Your Gin Martini

Making a Gin Martini is an art of precision and temperature control. Follow these steps for a consistently perfect drink every time.

Mastering the Chill

  1. Begin by filling your chosen martini or coupe glass generously with ice cubes and a splash of cold water.
  2. Let it sit while you prepare the cocktail. This crucial step ensures your serving glass is perfectly chilled, preventing your martini from warming too quickly and maintaining its crisp, refreshing temperature from the first sip to the last.

Mixing Your Martini: Stir or Shake?

  1. If shaking (for a colder, slightly cloudy martini): Pour your measured gin (2 ounces) and dry vermouth (0.5 ounces, or adjust to your preference) into a cocktail shaker filled two-thirds with fresh, high-quality ice. Shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds until the shaker is frosty cold to the touch. This ensures optimal chilling and a slight aeration.
  2. If stirring (for a clear, silky martini): Combine your measured gin (2 ounces) and dry vermouth (0.5 ounces, or adjust as desired) in a sturdy mixing glass. Fill the mixing glass completely with fresh ice. Stir gently but consistently with a bar spoon for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, until the mixture is thoroughly chilled and slightly diluted, but remains crystal clear.

Preparing Your Glass

  1. Once your cocktail mixture is ready, discard the ice water from your chilled martini or coupe glass. This leaves a perfectly frosty vessel ready to receive your drink.

Straining for Perfection

  1. Using a cocktail strainer (Hawthorne for shaker, Julep for mixing glass), carefully strain the chilled cocktail mixture into your prepared, empty, and frosty martini glass. Ensure no ice shards or unintended particles make their way into the final drink.

Adding the Final Touch

  1. Garnish your martini immediately.
    • For a lemon twist: Take a fresh lemon peel and gently twist it over the surface of the drink to express its aromatic oils, then drop it into the glass or drape it over the rim.
    • For olives: Skewer one to three cocktail olives on a cocktail pick and place it into the glass.
  2. Serve your exquisite Gin Martini immediately and savor its timeless flavor.
easy cocktail recipe served in chilled coupe glass

Expert Tips for a Flawless Martini

Crafting the perfect Gin Martini goes beyond just following a recipe; it’s about understanding the nuances and making conscious choices. Here are some expert tips to elevate your martini game:

  • Pre-chill Everything: This is arguably the most important tip. Always start by chilling your gin and vermouth in the refrigerator or freezer before mixing. And, as instructed, always chill your martini glasses. The colder your ingredients and glassware are, the less dilution you’ll get from the ice during mixing, resulting in a more potent and flavorful drink.
  • Quality Ice Matters: Don’t underestimate the impact of your ice. Use large, solid ice cubes rather than small, quickly melting ones. Large cubes dilute slower and keep the drink colder for longer, ensuring your martini stays perfectly chilled throughout the mixing process. Filtered water for ice can also make a subtle difference in taste.
  • Fresh Vermouth is Non-Negotiable: Vermouth is a wine and will oxidize once opened, losing its delicate aromas and flavors. Store your dry vermouth in the refrigerator and aim to use it within 1-2 months of opening. If it tastes dull or off, it’s time for a new bottle.
  • Express Your Garnish: When using a lemon twist, don’t just drop it in. Hold the peel over the drink and twist it firmly to express its fragrant oils directly onto the surface of the martini. This releases a burst of citrus aroma that significantly enhances the drinking experience.
  • Taste and Adjust: The beauty of the martini lies in its customizable nature. Don’t be afraid to experiment with your gin-to-vermouth ratio. Start with the recommended 2:0.5 ratio, but if you find it too dry, add a touch more vermouth (a “wetter” martini). If you want to really highlight the gin, reduce the vermouth (a “drier” martini).
  • The Power of the Stir: If you choose to stir, do so purposefully. Stir vigorously enough to chill but gently enough to avoid aeration. The goal is to achieve an even temperature and slight dilution, not to create foam.
  • Less is More with Olive Brine: If you’re venturing into a “dirty” martini, start with a small amount of olive brine (e.g., 1/4 to 1/2 ounce) and add more if needed. Olive brine can quickly overpower the delicate balance of the martini. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it out.

By incorporating these tips, you’ll not only master the technique of making a Gin Martini but also develop a deeper appreciation for this magnificent cocktail.

Exploring Gin Martini Variations

The Gin Martini is a remarkably versatile cocktail, capable of being adapted to a spectrum of preferences simply by adjusting the ratio of its core ingredients or adding a thoughtful twist. Here are some popular variations, each offering a distinct flavor profile:

  • Dry Gin Martini: This is the classic profile, as outlined in our recipe card, where the gin’s robust flavor takes center stage. It typically features a minimal amount of dry vermouth, often a 4:1 or even 6:1 gin-to-vermouth ratio. The goal is to let the gin’s botanicals shine through with just a hint of herbal complexity from the vermouth. Garnish with a lemon twist for bright citrus aromatics or an olive for a subtle savory note.
  • Bone Dry Martini: For the ultimate purist, the bone dry martini minimizes vermouth to an almost imperceptible degree. Some prefer to omit it entirely, while others simply rinse the martini glass with a tiny amount of vermouth before discarding it, leaving only a ghost of its essence. This variation is all about celebrating the unadulterated character of your chosen gin—bold, crisp, and undiluted by anything but ice. A lemon twist is the quintessential garnish here.
  • 50-50 Martini (Wet Martini): Embracing the beauty of vermouth, the 50-50 martini combines equal parts gin and dry vermouth. This creates a smoother, more herbal, and less alcoholic-tasting cocktail. The vermouth’s botanicals are given equal footing with the gin’s, resulting in a complex and layered flavor profile that is wonderfully approachable. Garnish with an orange or lemon twist to complement the herbal and citrus notes.
  • Dirty Martini: A favorite among savory cocktail lovers, the dirty martini adds a splash of olive brine (usually from green olives) for a distinctive salty, umami kick. The amount of brine can vary, from a “slightly dirty” to a “filthy” martini, depending on your preference for salinity. This variation transforms the martini into a more robust and indulgent drink. Garnish with several cocktail olives, perhaps even blue cheese-stuffed olives for an extra layer of richness.
  • Gibson Martini: This variation is a classic, simply replacing the traditional olive or lemon twist garnish with a pickled onion. The onion adds a sharp, tangy, and slightly sweet counterpoint to the gin and vermouth, creating a unique and savory martini experience.
  • Vesper Martini (While technically not a pure Gin Martini): Made famous by James Bond, the Vesper Martini calls for three parts gin, one part vodka, and half a part Lillet Blanc (a French aperitif wine, similar to vermouth but often sweeter and fruitier). It’s shaken, not stirred, and garnished with a large lemon peel. While it includes gin, the addition of vodka and Lillet Blanc makes it a distinct cocktail with a different flavor profile altogether.

More martini recipes: Cucumber Martini I Limoncello Martini I Espresso Martini I Fresh Apple Martini

easy cocktail in coupe glass with olives garnish

Beyond the Martini: Other Gin Cocktails

While the martini showcases gin in its purest form, the spirit’s botanical complexity makes it a fantastic base for a vast array of other cocktails. If you love gin, there are endless possibilities to explore:

  • Gin and Tonic (G&T): Perhaps the most iconic gin cocktail, the G&T is simple yet refreshing. It combines gin, tonic water, and a lime wedge, offering a crisp, bitter, and effervescent experience. Different gins and tonic waters can dramatically alter its flavor.
  • Negroni: A bold and bitter Italian classic, the Negroni is made with equal parts gin, Campari (a bitter aperitif), and sweet vermouth. It’s stirred and typically garnished with an orange peel, perfect for aperitivo hour.
  • Tom Collins: A light, refreshing, and slightly sweet-sour drink, the Tom Collins features gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and club soda, garnished with a lemon slice and a cherry. It’s a tall drink, perfect for warm weather.
  • Gin Fizz: Similar to a Tom Collins but typically incorporating an egg white for a frothy texture. The standard Gin Fizz uses gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and club soda, resulting in a delightfully creamy yet tart and refreshing beverage.
  • French 75: An elegant and celebratory cocktail, the French 75 combines gin, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and is topped with Champagne or sparkling wine. It’s a sophisticated choice for special occasions.
  • Gimlet: A simple and potent cocktail, the Gimlet traditionally blends gin with lime cordial (or fresh lime juice and simple syrup). It’s a crisp, tart, and invigorating drink, often served up in a coupe.

Gin Alternatives in Cocktails

While gin is distinctive, its role in many cocktails can sometimes be filled by other spirits, especially for those looking to explore different flavor profiles or accommodate preferences. Here are some common alternatives:

  • Vodka: The most straightforward alternative, especially in martini-style drinks. A Vodka Martini, or “Vodkatini,” substitutes gin entirely with vodka. This results in a cleaner, less botanical, and more neutral-tasting drink, allowing the vermouth or garnish to take on a more prominent role. Similarly, a Vodka Gimlet is a popular variation of its gin counterpart.
  • White Rum: For certain refreshing, lighter gin cocktails (like a Tom Collins or Gin Fizz), white rum can offer a different, often sweeter and subtly tropical, base. While it lacks gin’s juniper character, it can create a delightful and unique spin on familiar recipes.
  • Tequila: While not a direct substitute, unaged (blanco) tequila can be used in some gin-based recipes where a herbaceous or earthy note is desired, offering a distinct agave flavor. It’s less common, but adventurous mixologists might experiment with it in a “Tequila Martini” (essentially a Margarita without the orange liqueur, but still quite different from a Gin Martini).
  • Mezcal: For a smoky, earthy, and sometimes fruity alternative, mezcal can add an entirely new dimension to cocktails that typically use gin. Its robust flavor demands thoughtful pairing but can be incredibly rewarding.
  • Aquavit: A Scandinavian spirit, aquavit is often flavored with caraway or dill. While less common, it can be an intriguing substitute for gin in certain savory or herbal cocktails, providing a distinctly Nordic botanical profile.

Remember that substituting gin will fundamentally change the drink’s character. It’s an opportunity to create something new rather than a perfect replica of the original gin-based cocktail.

The Stirring Question: Why Stir a Gin Martini?

Yes, for a classic Gin Martini, tradition dictates that it should be stirred, not shaken. This isn’t just a matter of purist dogma; it’s rooted in the science of cocktail preparation and the desired sensory experience.

When you stir a spirits-only cocktail with ice, the process achieves several key outcomes:

  1. Controlled Dilution: Stirring gently allows for a more controlled and gradual dilution of the spirits. This is crucial for a martini, as too much water can mute the complex flavors of gin and vermouth.
  2. Optimal Chilling: While less aggressive than shaking, stirring still brings the drink down to a perfectly cold temperature. The goal is “briskly cold,” not “ice-cold” to the point of brain freeze.
  3. Clarity and Texture: This is perhaps the most significant reason. Stirring minimizes the introduction of air bubbles and avoids breaking up ice shards. The result is a martini that is crystal clear, visually appealing, and boasts a smooth, silky texture on the palate. Shaking, conversely, aerates the drink, leading to a cloudy appearance and a slightly frothy mouthfeel.
  4. Preserving Botanicals: The gentle nature of stirring is believed to preserve the delicate aromatic compounds of the gin’s botanicals and the vermouth’s herbs, allowing them to express themselves fully without being “bruised” or excessively agitated.

A good rule of thumb in cocktail crafting is: if your drink consists only of spirits and liqueurs (like a Martini, Negroni, or Old Fashioned), stir it. If it contains fruit juices, cream, or other ingredients that need to be vigorously emulsified or aerated, then shake it. However, as with all things in mixology, personal preference holds sway. If you genuinely prefer a colder, cloudier, shaken martini, then that’s the perfect martini for you!

Need some inspiration for your next party? Check out my booze recipes page! 

Gin martini social media image

Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Your Gin Martini

A Gin Martini, with its crisp, dry, and often savory profile, pairs beautifully with a range of appetizers and dishes. The right food can enhance the cocktail’s flavors and create a truly memorable experience.

  • Salty Snacks: The sharp, clean taste of a martini is perfectly complemented by salty, savory bites.
    • Keep it simple with premium Marcona almonds, high-quality salted nuts, or gourmet kettle chips.
    • For something a bit more elevated, consider delicate Prosciutto Cheese Twists, offering a savory crunch, or crispy, savory Crispy Prosciutto.
    • Olives (beyond the garnish) and cornichons (miniature pickled cucumbers) also make excellent companions.
  • Cheese Boards: A well-curated cheese board provides diverse textures and flavors that harmonize wonderfully with a martini.
    • Opt for aged, firm cheeses like Gouda, Manchego, or sharp cheddar, which offer a nutty richness.
    • Consider a creamy goat cheese or a mild blue cheese for contrast.
    • For inspiration, explore an Easy Charcuterie Board or an Italian Charcuterie Board, focusing on savory meats and hard cheeses.
  • Savory Appetizers: Classic appetizers often served at cocktail parties are natural partners for a martini.
    • Light, flaky Baked Crab Cakes with their delicate seafood flavor.
    • Rich and creamy deviled eggs, offering a subtle tang.
    • Chilled shrimp cocktails with a zesty sauce are timeless fan favorites.
    • For a truly luxurious pairing, try our favorite Pan-Seared Scallops served with an indulgent bacon cream sauce, where the martini’s crispness cuts through the richness.
  • Dinner Pairings: While often enjoyed as an aperitif, a martini can also precede or even accompany certain dinner courses.
    • Few combinations are as iconic and satisfying as a martini paired with a perfectly cooked steak. The cocktail’s clean palate-cleansing ability stands up well to rich, meaty flavors.
    • Consider pairing it with a juicy Grilled New York Strip Steak or a succulent Perfect Ribeye Steak for a truly classic dining experience.

More Gin Cocktail Inspirations

Now that you have the essentials of a classic Gin Martini down, and understand its versatile nature, it’s time to expand your gin repertoire. Whether you prefer a bold, dry martini or something sweet and fruity, gin offers a world of possibilities.

  • For a wonderfully refreshing and visually stunning drink, try the Blackberry Gin Fizz. This delightful cocktail combines the vibrant, slightly tart flavor of fresh blackberries with the crispness of gin, topped with a sparkling fizz. It’s a perfectly balanced and effervescent drink suitable for any occasion, from brunch to an evening gathering.
  • If your palate leans towards something sweet, juicy, and bursting with seasonal fruit, the Strawberry Gin Smash Cocktail is an excellent choice. This easy-to-make drink blends ripe, fresh strawberries with gin, a hint of citrus, and often a touch of basil or mint, creating a vibrant, aromatic, and undeniably delicious concoction that captures the essence of summer.
  • Or, if you appreciate timeless sophistication beyond the martini, the Gin Sling offers a smooth and versatile experience. This classic cocktail typically pairs the rich botanical notes of gin with a hint of cherry liqueur, citrus, and a splash of soda water, resulting in a complex yet refreshing sip that’s both elegant and approachable. It’s a testament to gin’s adaptability in crafting a wide array of sophisticated libations.

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Garnished with olives gin martini in a coupe glass

Gin Martini

Discover the timeless elegance of a gin martini. This classic cocktail is simple, versatile, and perfect for any occasion, from casual unwinding to sophisticated gatherings.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1

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Equipment

  • Jigger
  • Cocktail Shaker OR Mixing Glass
  • Cocktail Strainer
  • Martini or Coupe Glass
  • Bar Spoon (if stirring)

Ingredients

  • 2 ounces high-quality Gin (chilled in the freezer or refrigerator)
  • ½ ounce Dry Vermouth (chilled, stored in refrigerator)
  • Garnish (lemon twist or cocktail olive)
  • Ice (large, high-quality cubes)

Instructions

  • Chill the Glass: Fill your martini or coupe glass with ice and cold water to ensure it’s perfectly chilled while you prepare the drink. Set aside.
  • Combine Ingredients: Add the chilled gin and dry vermouth to a cocktail shaker (for shaking) or a mixing glass (for stirring) that is filled two-thirds with fresh, large ice cubes.
  • Shake or Stir:

    • For Shaken: Seal the shaker and shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds, until the outside of the shaker is thoroughly frosty.
    • For Stirred: Stir gently but consistently with a bar spoon for 30-60 seconds, until the mixture is well-chilled and slightly diluted, maintaining clarity.
  • Prepare Glass: Discard the ice water from your chilled martini or coupe glass, leaving it perfectly cold and empty.
  • Strain and Serve: Using a cocktail strainer, pour the well-chilled cocktail mixture into the prepared glass.
  • Garnish and Enjoy: Garnish with a fresh lemon twist (expressed over the drink) or one to three cocktail olives. Serve immediately and savor your perfectly crafted Gin Martini!

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Nutrition

Calories: 142kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 0.01g | Sodium: 1mg | Potassium: 1mg | Iron: 0.02mg
Calories: 142kcal
Cuisine: American
Category: Booze