Classic Martini Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is the formula for a martini? ›

Begin with a London dry-style gin. From there, add a little dry vermouth. The ratio is negotiable, but common formulas for a Dry Martini typically fall in the range of four-to-eight parts gin to one part vermouth. A dash of orange bitters ties the room together.

The chill factor

Hannah Lanfear from Jensen's Gin says the aim when chilling is to ensure the alcohol, water and temperature are balanced to soften the alcohol burn with the meltwater from stirring with ice. If all three elements are assembled with each in balance you will fashion a martini almost viscous with cold.

Gin versus vodka

But changing one ingredient in a drink that only has two to begin with inevitably alters its character quite radically: as Mittie Hellmich writes in the Ultimate Bar Book, a martini is “structured on the perfect botanical balance between gin's juniper berry and dry vermouth's herbal qualities”.

Once you have consumed two, you must move on to a soft drink, such as wine or a gin and tonic. The reasons for this are obvious and I try to adhere to this rule at home. The rule is defended most enduringly (and elegantly) at Duke's Bar in Central London, where years of experience … Continue reading.

A chilled gin martini served up in a graceful co*cktail glass is one of the most elegant and sophisticated drinks around. The classic martini recipe is fairly simple—just gin, vermouth, and an olive or lemon peel (and possibly some orange bitters).

Dry, Extra Dry, Bone Dry and Wet

The original iteration of drink called for a 2:1 ratio of gin to dry vermouth, however the co*cktail has evolved over many decades (as have people's taste) - and martinis are now more commonly served at a 5:1 or 6:1 ratio.

Desert Martini or a Churchill Martini

No vermouth is used. This is essentially straight gin diluted with ice and garnished with either a lemon twist or olives.

DIRTY. For those who like their co*cktails to have a savoury edge, the Dirty Martini is a delicious, slightly salty, choice. The term 'dirty' means that olive brine, usually from a jar of co*cktail olives, has been added to the drink.

The Most Popular Martini Flavor in the U.S.

Pineapple martinis are sweet, delicious, and straightforward, making them a popular choice among patrons all over the nation. All you need to make one of these martinis for yourself is pineapple juice, vodka, and fresh-squeezed lime juice.

What is the ratio for a martini? ›

Listen carefully as I'm going to type this only once: A classic martini consists, quite simply, of gin and vermouth. A five to one ratio.

A classic martini, or a wet martini, is when you prefer an equal ratio of gin and dry vermouth. A “perfect” martini on the other hand is made with equal parts dry and sweet vermouth and then mixed with vodka or gin.

A dry martini means that it is less sweet, containing less dry vermouth (which is called dry itself as it is less sweet than its red counterpart). A wet martini will have a higher amount of vermouth in the mix and a dirty martini means the addition of brine.

The Most Popular Martini Flavor in the U.S.

Pineapple martinis are sweet, delicious, and straightforward, making them a popular choice among patrons all over the nation. All you need to make one of these martinis for yourself is pineapple juice, vodka, and fresh-squeezed lime juice.

A dirty martini means that olive juice or olive brine is mixed in. This can be on its own, or in addition to “with a twist” for a lemon brine or “with an olive”. A clean martini refers to a martini served without a garnish.