Gin Martini
Crystal-clear, ice-cold, and bracingly crisp. This iconic cocktail balances the botanical complexity of gin with a whisper of dry vermouth, stirred until silky smooth. A green olive or lemon twist adds the final elegant touch to this timeless American invention.
For 1 serving
- prep
Chill the glass.
Fill your martini or coupe glass with ice and cold water. Let it sit while you prepare the drink, then discard the ice and water just before straining.
TIPA well-chilled glass keeps the martini colder much longer. - mix
Combine gin and vermouth over ice.
Fill a mixing glass two-thirds full with fresh ice. Pour 75 ml gin and 15 ml dry vermouth over the ice.
- mix · ~1 min
Stir until perfectly chilled and diluted.
Stir continuously with a bar spoon for 30 to 40 seconds. The goal is a silky, ice-cold blend with just the right amount of melt water integrated. Stop when you feel the liquid thicken slightly and the glass is frosty.
TIPNever shake a classic gin martini — stirring keeps it crystal clear and velvety smooth, avoiding tiny ice shards and cloudiness. - assemble
Strain into the chilled glass.
Discard the ice and water from your martini glass. Place a strainer over the mixing glass and pour the liquid in one smooth, clean motion into the frosted glass.
- garnish
Add the garnish and serve immediately.
Drop a single green olive into the glass, or pinch a strip of lemon peel over the surface to express its oils, rub it around the rim, and drop it in. Serve straight away.
TIPFor a 'dirty martini,' add a small bar spoon of olive brine when mixing.
What to keep in mind.
7 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Chill both the gin and vermouth beforehand to minimize dilution while stirring.
- 2Use large, solid ice cubes; they melt slower and produce a cleaner texture.
- 3Stir exactly 30–40 seconds: stop when the metal spoon feels cold and the liquid looks viscous.
- 4A ratio of 5:1 (gin to vermouth) is standard; adjust vermouth slightly for a drier or wetter martini.
- 5Express lemon oil over the surface before dropping the peel in for aromatic lift.
- 6For a dirty martini, add 5-10 ml of olive brine to the mixing glass before stirring.
- 7Serve immediately after straining; a martini loses its chill and dilutes quickly in the glass.
Adapt it for your goals.
Dirty Martini
Add 5-10 ml of olive brine to the mixing glass before stirring. The salty, umami brine complements the gin's botanicals and adds a savory depth.
GibsonGibson
Replace the olive or lemon twist with a pickled cocktail onion. The onion's tangy-sweet brine adds a subtle twist without overpowering the gin.
50:50 Martini50:50 Martini
Use equal parts gin and dry vermouth (45 ml each). This smoother, lower-alcohol version highlights the vermouth's herbal notes and is perfect for sipping.
Lemon Twist OnlyLemon Twist Only
Skip the olive entirely and use only a lemon peel garnish. The citrus oils brighten the drink and let the gin's juniper and floral notes take center stage.
Vesper MartiniVesper Martini
Substitute 15 ml of the gin with vodka (so: 60 ml gin + 15 ml vodka + 15 ml dry vermouth) and garnish with a lemon twist. A more potent, crisp variation inspired by James Bond.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Low Calorie Cocktail
At roughly 120-140 calories per serving, a classic gin martini is one of the lowest-calorie cocktail options, containing no added sugars or syrups.
Botanical Antioxidants
Gin is distilled from juniper berries and other botanicals, which contain antioxidants like flavonoids. While not a significant source, it offers trace plant compounds.
Moderate Alcohol Content
With a standard 75 ml pour of 40% ABV gin, this single serving is equivalent to about 2 standard drinks, encouraging mindful consumption.
Lower Sugar Choice
Unlike most mixed drinks, a dry martini contains virtually no sugar, making it a better choice for those monitoring their sugar or carb intake.
Frequently asked questions
Shaking aerates the liquid, creating tiny ice shards and a cloudy appearance, while stirring keeps the martini crystal clear and silky-smooth with controlled dilution.
