Classic Martini
The king of cocktails—minimalist, elegant and endlessly riffed—balancing aromatic gin with a restrained measure of vermouth. Orange bitters optional.
37%
ABV
170
Calories
Martini
Glass
Flavor Journey
Ingredients
Quality ingredients make all the difference. Each component plays a crucial role.
2.5 oz
0.5 oz
Method
Technique transforms ingredients into something extraordinary.
Chill a coupe or Nick & Nora glass
Add gin and vermouth to a mixing glass filled with ice
Add a dash of orange bitters if desired (optional)
Stir briskly 20–30 seconds until glass is frosty
Strain into the chilled glass
Garnish with a lemon twist or skewer of olives
Glassware
Served up in a chilled martini glass
Garnish
3 olives on a pick, or express lemon oils and drop twist
Master's Tips
Professional insights to elevate your craft
Chill glassware, gin and vermouth for maximum bracing character
Adjust vermouth from 1:1 to bone-dry depending on preference
Always stir—shaking clouds the drink and over-dilutes
Variations & Riffs
Classic cocktails inspire countless variations. Here are some popular riffs on the Classic Martini.
50/50 Martini
Equal parts gin and dry vermouth with a dash of orange bitters—silky, aromatic, and lower proof.
Perfect Martini
Not just a well-made cocktail, but a specific variation that bridges Sweet and Dry Martinis with equal parts of both vermouths, creating sophisticated balance and complexity.
Kangaroo (Vodka Martini)
The vodka martini—vodka stirred very cold with dry vermouth.
Vesper
Gin, vodka, and aromatic wine combine for James Bond's bracing signature martini.
History & Heritage
“A direct descendant of the 1880s Martinez and Marguerite recipes, the Martini first appeared in print around 1904 as a 2:1 mix of gin and vermouth with bitters. Through the 1910s and Jazz Age it steadily dried out, matching America’s taste for sharper drinks. By the 1950s it symbolized mid‑century sophistication—from the three‑Martini lunch to James Bond—cementing its place as the benchmark for spirit‑forward cocktails.”
More to Explore
If you enjoyed this cocktail, these similar creations might capture your interest.
Gibson
A dry gin martini garnished with cocktail onions—clean, crisp, and subtly savory.
50/50 Martini
Equal parts gin and dry vermouth with a dash of orange bitters—silky, aromatic, and lower proof.
Cardinale
A sophisticated Italian aperitivo featuring gin, dry vermouth, and Campari – a perfect balance of botanical complexity and bitter elegance.