Martini
The Martini is the quintessential classic “up” cocktail. This iconic libation comprised of gin, dry vermouth, and orange bitters suggests understated elegance. Traditionally, the Martini is made with a 2:1 ratio of gin to dry vermouth. For those not in-the-know, vermouth is a fortified wine, and is a staple ingredient of my at-home-bar. Depending on your preference, you can adjust that by the amount dry vermouth you use in relation to the gin — the higher the ratio, the more “dry” you prefer your Martini. Contrary to certain depictions of the preparation (I’m looking at you, James Bond), conventional wisdom dictates stirring this spirit-forward cocktail in a mixing glass to combine the ingredients and introduce the necessary dilution. Don’t forget to garnish your Martini with a green olive (or three). Not a fan of olives? Well, you’re in luck because there are plenty of acceptable garnishes such as lemon peels and even pickled cocktail onions (see below for some well-known variations) to substitute. But don’t take my word for it, make one and try it for yourself!
Martini
In your mixing glass, combine the orange bitters, dry vermouth, and gin.
2 dashes / 0.25 tsp of Orange Bitters
1 oz of Dry Vermouth
2 oz of Gin
Add ice to your mixing glass and stir until sufficiently chilled (around 25 to 30 seconds). Strain contents into your chilled martini glass. Garnish with green olives.
Looking to try something a little different? Try one of these variations:
Dry Martini
The Martini with a 5:1 gin to dry vermouth ratio.
Gibson
The Dry Martini sans orange bitters garnished with a pickled cocktail onion.
Vodka Martini
The Dry Martini with vodka in lieu of gin.
TIP(S):
Chill your cocktail glassware — to extend the life of your Martini, place your martini glass(es) in the freezer for at least 15 minutes for them to be sufficiently. For more immediate use, you can place ice water in your martini glass during the preparation.
