How to Make a Martini

The martini might be considered the most well known of all cocktails. Made with gin and vermouth--though nowadays it is common to substitute vodka for the gin--the martini is a simple drink to make. Once popular for business executives and the "three-martini lunch," made famous by James Bond and called "the only American invention as perfect as the sonnet" by H.L. Mencken, the martini truly is an American classic. Here's how to serve up yours ... shaken or stirred.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Gin or Vodka
• Vermouth
• Lemon peel
• Olives
• Martini glass
• Cocktail shaker
• Ice

1. Chill a martini glass in the freezer. You don't need to put it in for too long. If you place it in the freezer just before you start to mix the drink, that should suffice.

2. Pour 2 1/2 ounces of gin and a 1/2 ounce of vermouth into a glass of ice and stir gently. Though the ratio of gin to vermouth can differ substantially according to preference, the traditional ratio is five parts gin to one part vermouth.

3. Strain the cocktail into the chilled martini glass, being careful not to let any stray shards of ice seep through. You want your Martini to be smooth and clear.

4. Garnish with an olive or lemon peel and serve immediately.

5. Though stirring a Martini is the traditional way to prepare the cocktail, some people prefer to have it shaken. If you'd like to do it James Bond style, pour the ingredients into a cocktail shaker of ice. Shake gently to avoid "bruising"--you don' want shards of ice to break off into the drink. Strain into a chilled glass, garnish and serve.

Tips & Warnings

• Martinis are also called "Bradfords."
• A dry martini usually refers to the type of vermouth. French vermouth is typically drier. However, it might also suggest using little to no vermouth.
• Stir/shake gently but quickly to avoid watering down your cocktail.