Basic and stylish, a martini is certainly one of our favourite cocktails to make at residence. This 2-ingredient recipe makes use of gin and dry vermouth. We adore it with a twist!

This traditional martini recipe was one of many first cocktails Jack discovered to make at residence. It entered our rotation years in the past, again once we had common poker nights with a bunch of buddies. I might all the time lose, however I nonetheless joined in each time for the corporate—and the drinks.
Jack thinks (and he’s satisfied me too) {that a} martini is a cocktail that’s truly finest made at residence. You solely want 2 elements—gin and dry vermouth—and you’ve got full management over the ratios. We each like ours dry, which is how I’ve written the recipe beneath, however I’ve additionally included notes on adapting it to make a moist martini. Attempt it a number of occasions, and also you’ll rapidly discover a stability you’re keen on.

Martini Components
A traditional martini comprises two elements:
- Gin – The bottle of gin you select will decide the flavour profile of your cocktail. If in case you have a favourite model, undoubtedly attain for it right here. For those who’re unsure the place to start out, we like Hendrick’s (notes of citrus and cucumber) and St. George Botanivore (extra herbaceous and floral).
- Dry Vermouth – Dry vermouth is a sort of fortified white wine. In comparison with candy vermouth, which is utilized in traditional cocktails just like the Manhattan, dry vermouth has a low sugar content material. Botanicals like spices, rose, and orange bark give it an fragrant taste. We like Dolin dry vermouth.
What about vodka? Gin is the standard essential alcohol right here, however for those who favor vodka, be at liberty to make a vodka martini as a substitute. Simply substitute the gin with vodka. It’ll give this cocktail a cleaner style. I personally just like the gin model, however you do you!
Discover the entire recipe with measurements beneath.
Dry Martini vs Moist: The Gin to Vermouth Ratio
We name for five elements gin to 1 half vermouth on this recipe, which decidedly makes it a dry martini. To make it barely much less robust and produce out the vermouth’s taste, you should utilize a decrease ratio of gin to vermouth. 2:1 is traditional for a moist martini, however you would even go right down to 1:1 for those who like.
The one means to determine what you contemplate a “good martini” is to experiment—maintain tweaking the ratios till you discover a stability you’re keen on!

Methods to Make a Martini
This recipe couldn’t be less complicated to make:
- Mix the gin, vermouth, and some ice cubes in a mixing glass. Stir till chilled.
- Pressure into a relaxing martini glass. (Chill the cocktail glass by inserting some ice inside it and stirring gently till condensation types on the surface. Discard the ice earlier than including the drink.)
- So as to add a twist, twist a strip of lemon peel over the glass, then drop it into the cocktail.
That’s it!
Shaken or Stirred?
Purists will let you know {that a} martini needs to be stirred, not shaken. Shaking not solely dilutes the drink, however it offers it a much less clean texture and cloudy look too. We name for stirring on this recipe to provide the finest traditional outcomes.
That stated, you may need seen James Bond drink a shaken martini earlier than…and Jack likes them too. Shards of ice can type within the drink when it’s shaken, which he simply thinks is enjoyable. So for those who love utilizing your cocktail shaker, there’s no motive you shouldn’t break it out for this drink.

Extra Basic Cocktail Recipes
For those who love this martini recipe, attempt certainly one of these traditional cocktails subsequent:

Basic Martini
Serves 1
Discover ways to make a martini! This recipe calls for five elements gin to 1 half vermouth, which yields a dry martini. To make it “wetter,” use a decrease gin to vermouth ratio. 2:1 is an effective place to start out.
- 2½ ounces gin
- ½ ounce dry vermouth
- Ice
- Lemon twist, for garnish
Stop your display from going darkish
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Add the gin, vermouth, and some ice cubes to a mixing glass. Stir till chilled.
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Pressure into a relaxing martini glass. Garnish with a lemon twist and serve.

