Classic Gin Martini
The classic dry gin martini is a well-known cocktail. While many variations exist, the traditional martini is distinguished by its simplicity. This recipe requires only a few essential ingredients and about 30 seconds to stir. It offers a botanical aroma and a dry flavor profile that can be adjusted to individual preference.
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The martini’s core components are gin and dry vermouth. Variations include using gin or vodka, adjusting dryness (amount of vermouth), making it “dirty” (with olive brine) or “clean” (without), shaking or stirring, and garnishing with olives or a lemon twist. These choices have led to discussions about the “correct” preparation, though the optimal method is subjective and depends on individual taste.
Preferences for martini preparation vary. An informal survey by Cook Whisper over nine years, with approximately 90,000 respondents, indicated that 59% preferred gin over vodka. Among these gin drinkers, a majority favored a standard amount of vermouth, with 13% opting for little or no vermouth.
Regarding preparation method, irrespective of spirit choice (gin or vodka), 52% of respondents preferred their martinis shaken rather than stirred. This preference contrasts with traditional bartending advice, which typically suggests stirring spirit-forward cocktails and reserving shaking for drinks with additional mixers.
Many martini drinkers personalize their preparation. A common practice is chilling the gin and/or vermouth in the refrigerator or freezer. This keeps the ingredients cold, potentially reducing the dilution from ice when stirring. This method results in a more intensely flavored martini, which may be too strong for some due to less dilution.
A small amount of dilution from water can mellow the drink and allow botanical flavors to emerge. Shaking the martini with ice introduces more dilution, further softening its flavor, which may contribute to its preference among some drinkers.
Experimenting with this classic cocktail can help you determine your preferred preparation. This typically involves adjusting the gin-to-vermouth ratio, trying different brands, and selecting a garnish.
What is the advantage of chilling your cocktail glass? A chilled glass helps maintain the drink’s cold temperature for longer.
Tips for Making a Gin Martini
- Use Quality Ingredients: Given its simple composition, a martini benefits from high-quality gin and vermouth.
- Adjust the Ratio: Different gins have distinct flavor profiles. You may need to adjust the ratio and garnish when using a new brand.
- Check Vermouth Freshness: Vermouth is a fortified wine and has a limited shelf life after opening. Replace bottles open for more than three months.
- Garnishes: The lemon twist is considered a traditional martini garnish. Olives became a common option, possibly coinciding with vodka’s use as an alternative to gin.
- Olive Count: When garnishing with olives, it is customary to use one or three. Using an even number is sometimes considered unlucky by tradition.
- Consider Olive Impact: For large or flavored (e.g., jalapeño- or garlic-stuffed) olives, one may be sufficient. The olive’s flavor will gradually infuse into the drink.
- Chill Your Glasses: For an optimal experience, always chill your cocktail glass.
The martini is a straightforward drink. Finding your preferred version may require some experimentation. This recipe provides a solid foundation. Vermouth is a key ingredient that distinguishes it from merely chilled spirits. — Tom Macy
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Classic Gin Martini Ingredients
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2 1/2 ounces gin
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1/2 ounce dry vermouth, or to taste
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1 dash orange or aromatic bitters (optional)
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Lemon twist or 1 or 3 olives, for garnish
Steps to Make a Gin Martini
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Gather the ingredients. Chill a cocktail glass.
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In a mixing glass filled with ice cubes, combine 2 1/2 ounces of gin and 1/2 ounce of dry vermouth. Adjust the amount of vermouth to your preference.
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Stir for approximately 30 seconds to chill and slightly dilute the mixture.
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Strain into the chilled cocktail glass.
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Add 1 dash of orange or aromatic bitters, if using.
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Garnish with a lemon twist or 1 or 3 olives.
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Martini Variations:
The martini has many variations, some with specific names:
- Dry Martini: Historically, this may have indicated more dry vermouth. Currently, a dry martini usually means less vermouth, or none. A “wet” martini contains more vermouth.
- Bone-Dry Martini: This version contains no vermouth, essentially chilled gin. Winston Churchill reportedly made his martinis by chilling gin and acknowledging France, the origin of dry vermouth.
- 50-50 Martini: A “wet” martini variation using equal parts gin and dry vermouth.
- Perfect Martini: Uses equal parts sweet and dry vermouth, resulting in a slightly sweeter flavor.
- Vodka Martini: Vodka is substituted for gin, often preferred by those who do not like gin’s botanical notes.
- Gibson: Similar to a gin martini, but garnished with cocktail onions instead of olives or a lemon twist.
- Dirty Martini: A small amount of olive brine is added for a savory, salty flavor.
How to Batch Martinis for a Group:
To prepare a large batch of martinis:
- Prepare a single martini according to the recipe. Measure its volume before and after stirring with ice and straining. The difference is the amount of water added through dilution.
- Multiply the measured amounts of gin, vermouth, and water (dilution) by the desired number of servings.
- Calculate the total volume of each ingredient needed. Standard spirits bottles (750ml) contain approximately 25.4 ounces.
- Measure the scaled ingredient volumes.
- Combine the ingredients in a suitable container and chill thoroughly.
- To serve, pour the pre-dilution volume (measured in Step 1) of the batched mixture into a chilled cocktail glass. Add bitters if desired, garnish, and serve.
How Strong Is a Classic Gin Martini?
The martini is a potent cocktail, typically served in smaller portions of 3 to 4 ounces (approximately 89 to 118 ml). Using a standard 80-proof (40% ABV) gin, the martini in this recipe has an estimated alcohol content of around 31% ABV (62 proof). This makes it one of the stronger mixed drinks.
| Nutrition Facts (per serving) | |
|---|---|
| 183 | Calories |
| 0g | Fat |
| 2g | Carbs |
| 0g | Protein |
| Nutrition Facts | |
|---|---|
| Servings: 1 | |
| Amount Per Serving | |
| Calories | 183 |
| % Daily Value* | |
| Total Fat 0g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 0g | 0% |
| Cholesterol 0mg | 0% |
| Sodium 2mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 2g | 1% |
| Dietary Fiber 0g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 0g | |
| Protein 0g | |
| Vitamin C 0mg | 0% |
| Calcium 1mg | 0% |
| Iron 0mg | 0% |
| Potassium 15mg | 0% |
| *The % Daily Value (DV) indicates how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. General nutrition advice is based on a 2,000-calorie daily intake. | |
