How to Make a Wet Martini

There are a number of terms used to describe how to make a martini—dry, dirty, burnt, bruised, stirred, wet. When you’re attempting to make or order a martini that is wet, this descriptor usually signifies that you want one that’s a little sweeter than the average. Traditionally, this means the addition of more vermouth, making the cocktail smoother and wetter.

Things You'll Need

• Gin
• Vodka
• Vermouth
• Ice
• Shaker with strainer/mixing glass
• Cocktail glass
• Olives
• Twist of lemon peel

Instructions

CLASSIC GIN MARTINI—WET

1. Pour 1 1/2 ounce of gin over ice in a mixing glass or shaker. Since you’re making the martini wet, instead of using only 3/4 ounce of vermouth, you’ll now put in 1 ounce.

2. Stir, since shaking will bruise the drink, and you’re only looking to make it wet.

3. Fix the strainer to the top of the mixing glass or shaker.

4. Strain into a cocktail glass.

5. Serve with an olive or a twist of lemon peel.

CLASSIC VODKA MARTINI—WET

1. Make substitutions: The vodka martini is pretty much the same recipe as the gin martini. You’re simply substituting gin with vodka. Start with a mixing glass or shaker with ice, pour in 1 1/2 ounce. of vodka and 1 ounce of vermouth.

2. Shake or stir. When using vodka, either method will work.

3. Fix the strainer to the top of the mixing glass or shaker.

4. Strain into a cocktail glass.

5. Serve with an olive or a twist of lemon peel.

Tips & Warnings

• If you don’t have any measuring utensils that tell you the measurements in ounces, your standard jigger or shot is 1 1/2 ounce.

Resources

• The Perfect Martini