How to Make a Martini

Serve your classic martini in a chilled glass.

The martini. This classy drink is worlds apart from a fruity cocktail served in a martini glass. An original martini is made from gin, vermouth and a simple garnish such as lemon or an olive. During Prohibition dry vermouth and gin were mixed in almost equal parts because the illegal liquor was of such poor quality the taste needed to be masked by dry vermouth. Since the end of Prohibition the quality of liquor has greatly improved, so you only need to add a touch of vermouth to your classic martini. Chill your martini glass in the freezer for at least two hours before making your classic martini.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• 1 1/2 to 2 ounces gin
• 6 drops to 1/2 ounce dry vermouth
• Orange bitters
• Ice
• Olive
• Lemon wedge
• Cocktail shaker
• Martini glass

1. Remove the lid or top portion of the cocktail shaker. Add ice to the bottom half of the shaker. Don't skimp. Ice is necessary to chill and blend the other ingredients.

2. Add vermouth to the shaker.

3. Place top portion or lid on shaker. Shake and pour into martini glass. Roll vermouth in glass to form a coating. If you like a dry martini, pour out the remaining vermouth.

4. Remove lid or top portion from cocktail shaker. Pour gin in shaker. Add 1 to 2 dashes of orange bitters. Stir or shake. Melted water from the ice is necessary to mellow the burn from the alcohol.

5. Strain the ingredients into a well-chilled martini glass. Garnish and serve.

Tips & Warnings

• Shaken or stirred? This is just a matter of personal taste. Some feel that shaking can "bruise" the liquor and cloud the color of the drink. Stirring is a more gentle treatment.

• Try out different top shelf alcohols.

• The amount of vermouth you add to your martini depends on your personal taste. Try making martinis with different amounts of vermouth to see what you like best.

• The addition of bitters is optional.

• Drink responsibly and remember the legal drinking age is 21.

References

• The Art of Manliness: How to Make the Perfect Martini
• Esquire: Martini