Gin Martini
The undisputed king of cocktails, the Gin Martini is a timeless icon of sophistication. This recipe creates a classic 'dry' version, perfectly chilled and crisp, balancing the botanical notes of London Dry Gin with a whisper of dry vermouth. Served straight up with a fragrant lemon twist or a savory olive, it's a masterclass in elegant simplicity.
For 1 serving
4 steps.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Chill the Serving Glass (2 minutes)
- b.Fill a coupe or martini glass with ice cubes and top with cold water.
- c.Set it aside to chill thoroughly while you prepare the drink. A frosty glass is key to a perfect martini.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Combine Gin and Vermouth (1 minute)
- b.Fill a mixing glass (or the base of a cocktail shaker) about two-thirds full with fresh, cold ice cubes.
- c.Pour the dry vermouth over the ice, followed by the chilled gin.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Stir to Perfection (30 seconds)
- b.Using a long bar spoon, stir the mixture smoothly and consistently for about 30 seconds.
- c.The goal is to chill and dilute the drink perfectly. The outside of the mixing glass should become frosted over.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Strain and Garnish (1 minute)
- b.Discard the ice and water from your now-chilled serving glass.
- c.Place a julep or Hawthorne strainer over the mixing glass and strain the cocktail into the empty, chilled glass.
- d.For a lemon twist, cut a swath of peel, squeeze it over the drink's surface to express the fragrant oils, rub the rim with the peel, and then drop it in.
- e.Alternatively, skewer one or three green olives on a cocktail pick and place it in the glass.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For an exceptionally cold martini, store your gin and serving glasses in the freezer for at least 30 minutes before use.
- 2Always stir, never shake. Shaking a martini aerates the gin, introduces tiny ice shards, and results in a cloudy, bruised cocktail. Stirring maintains its silky texture and clarity.
- 3The quality of your ingredients is paramount. Use a high-quality gin and, crucially, a fresh bottle of dry vermouth. Once opened, vermouth should be refrigerated and used within a month.
- 4The 5:1 gin-to-vermouth ratio is a classic 'dry' standard. Feel free to adjust it to your taste. A 'wetter' martini uses more vermouth (e.g., 3:1), while an 'extra dry' uses even less.
Adapt it for your goals.
Dirty Martini
Add 5-10 ml of olive brine to the mixing glass along with the gin and vermouth. Garnish with extra olives.
Perfect MartiniPerfect Martini
Use equal parts dry vermouth and sweet vermouth. For this recipe, that would be 7.5 ml of each. Garnish with a lemon twist.
GibsonGibson
Prepare the martini as directed, but garnish with a cocktail onion instead of an olive or lemon twist.
Vesper MartiniVesper Martini
A James Bond classic. Shake (don't stir, for this specific variation) 60 ml gin, 20 ml vodka, and 10 ml Lillet Blanc with ice. Strain and garnish with a large, thin slice of lemon peel.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Mindful Ritual
The process of carefully measuring, stirring, and garnishing a classic cocktail can be a mindful ritual. When enjoyed responsibly, it can serve as a way to decompress and transition from a busy day to a relaxing evening.
Botanical Complexity
Gin is infused with a variety of botanicals, with juniper being the most prominent. Historically, these botanicals were used in herbal medicine, and they contribute to the cocktail's complex aroma and flavor profile.
Frequently asked questions
A classic Gin Martini made with 75 ml of London Dry Gin and 15 ml of dry vermouth contains approximately 190-210 calories, almost entirely from the alcohol.