Martini Cocktail Recipe

Martini Nutrition Facts

Calories:163

Fat:0g

Protein:0g

Carbohydrates:0.5g

Alcohol:16%

Created by

Nic Polotnianko

I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.

Last Updated: August 23, 2024

History

The Martini cocktail is a classic drink that has been enjoyed for over a century. It is said to have originated in the late 1800s in either San Francisco or Martinez, California. The Martini has been a favorite of many famous figures, including Winston Churchill, Ernest Hemingway, and James Bond.

  • The Martini was originally made with gin and sweet vermouth, but over time, the recipe has evolved to include dry vermouth and vodka as well.
  • The classic Martini is typically served in a chilled cocktail glass and garnished with an olive or a lemon twist.
  • The Martini has inspired many variations, such as the Dirty Martini, Espresso Martini, and Vesper Martini.

How Martini Tastes?

The Martini has a crisp, clean, and slightly herbal taste. It is a strong and sophisticated cocktail with a hint of bitterness from the vermouth.

Interesting facts about Martini

  • The Martini is often associated with the famous James Bond quote, 'Shaken, not stirred.' However, most bartenders agree that a classic Martini should be stirred to maintain its clarity and texture.
  • The garnish used in a Martini can change the flavor profile of the drink. Olives add a salty, briny taste, while a lemon twist adds a bright, citrusy note.
  • The exact origin of the Martini is still debated, with some claiming it was first created in the town of Martinez, California, while others believe it was invented in San Francisco.

Ingredients

A few good options for Martini are:

  • Tanqueray Gin
  • Roku Japanese Gin

Learn everything on which Gin to choose

Gin

Gin is the soul of a Martini. Opting for a 2 oz pour strikes a balance that lets the botanicals shine without overpowering the drinker. Skimp on it, and you're sipping on chilled vermouth; too much, and you might as well be drinking straight from the still. If you substitute it with vodka, you get a Vodkatini – crisper and with a different character.

Emma Rose

Dry Vermouth

Half an ounce of dry vermouth is enough to whet your palate without turning the Martini into a swamp. The vermouth adds complexity with subtle herbal notes. Leaving it out? Well, you'd be left with a very lonely gin. A higher ratio would make it wetter, and perhaps a friendlier choice for those scared of gin's boldness.

Alex Green

Green Olive

This little green gem provides a touch of savoriness and an aesthetic flair. Imagine a Martini without it; sure, it's still a Martini, but it's like a tuxedo without the tie – something's amiss. If olives aren't your jam, a twist of lemon will add a zingy freshness instead.

Mary Mitkina

Lemon Twist

The ribbon of lemon zest isn't just for show – it adds an aromatic citrus note that can brighten the drink. Rubbing it around the rim also infuses every sip with a hit of lemon oil. If skipped, the Martini loses a layer of complexity; though not essential, it's like refusing a complimentary upgrade to first class.

Emma Rose

Recipe. How to make Martini Drink

  1. Chill a cocktail glass by filling it with ice and water. Set aside.
  2. In a mixing glass, combine the gin and dry vermouth.
  3. Fill the mixing glass with ice and stir the mixture for 20-30 seconds until well chilled.
  4. Discard the ice and water from the cocktail glass.
  5. Strain the mixture into the chilled cocktail glass.
  6. Garnish with either a green olive or a lemon twist.

Pro Tips

  • Stir the Martini instead of shaking to maintain its clarity and texture.
  • Experiment with different garnishes to change the flavor profile of the drink.
  • Always serve the Martini in a chilled cocktail glass for the best taste.

Perfect Pairings

Appetizers

  • Oysters: Their briny flavor complements the crispness of a classic Martini.
  • Almonds or Marcona almonds: A salty and crunchy snack that contrasts nicely with the smooth gin.
  • Cheeses: Especially aged varieties like Gouda or Cheddar, which offer a rich texture against the Martini's sharpness.
  • Charcuterie: Salty cured meats can balance the Martini's dry character.

Main Courses

  • Grilled Fish: The light and delicate flavors won't overpower the subtleties of the Martini.
  • Chicken Piccata: The lemon and caper flavors echo the citrus notes in the Martini's garnish.

Dessert

  • Lemon Sorbet: A refreshing choice that mirrors the zest of the lemon twist in the Martini.

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What you could change in Martini

  • Replace gin with vodka for a Vodka Martini.
  • Use sweet vermouth instead of dry for a sweeter taste.
  • Garnish with a cocktail onion for a Gibson Martini.

Explore all drinks starting with M here

And of course - twists🍹

Dirty Martini

Add a splash (about 0.5 oz) of olive brine to the mix. The result? A saltier, brinier Martini that's not afraid to walk on the wild side. It's like giving your Martini a little dip in the ocean.

Espresso Martini

This isn't your typical Martini. Shake 1 oz of espresso with the gin and vermouth and strain into the glass. You've now got a caffeinated kick that will pick you up while your Martini calms you down. It's the cocktail equivalent of a power nap.

Gibson Martini

Switch out the green olive for a cocktail onion. You've now got a Martini with a touch of sweetness and umami that’s as smooth as a jazz riff in a smoky bar.

In case you forgot basics how to make Martini

Place your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.

Learn everything on how to strain

Insert the spoon into the glass until it touches the bottom. Keep the back of the spoon against the inside wall of the glass, and stir in a smooth, circular motion. The goal is to swirl the ice and ingredients together without churning or splashing.

Learn everything on how to stir

Garnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).

Learn everything on garnishing

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Frequently Asked Questions on Martini

What type of glass is traditionally used for serving a Martini?

A Martini is traditionally served in a Martini glass, which is a stemmed glass with a wide, inverted cone bowl.

What are some other popular gin-based cocktails?

Other popular gin-based cocktails include the Negroni, Tom Collins, Gin Fizz, and the French 75.

What is the difference between a cocktail being 'shaken' versus 'stirred'?

Shaking a cocktail generally cools a drink quicker and dilutes it more. On the other hand, stirring is a more gentle technique and often used for drinks that are primarily made with alcoholic ingredients, like the Martini.

Is there a non-alcoholic version of Martini?

Yes, there are many mocktail versions of the Martini. Ingredients like non-alcoholic gin or vermouth can be used to prepare a non-alcoholic Martini.

What gives the Martini its characteristic herbal flavor?

The characteristic herbal flavor of a Martini comes from the gin used in its creation. Gin gets its flavor from a mix of botanicals, the most predominant being juniper berries.

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