Gin Martini Recipe
The gin martini has a long and somewhat mysterious past. While some credit Italian bartender Martini di Arma di Taggia with creating the first gin martini in New York City in the early 1900s, others believe it evolved from a cocktail called the “Martinez” that originated in California in the late 1800s.
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker or mixing glass
- Bar spoon
- Jigger (for measuring)
- Hawthorne strainer (if using a shaker)
- Martini glass
Ingredients
- 2 ½ oz gin (London Dry Gin preferred for a crisp flavor)
- ½ oz dry vermouth
- Ice cubes
- Garnish: Lemon twist or green olives
Instructions
- Chill the GlassStart by chilling your martini glass. Fill it with ice water and set it aside while you prepare the drink. This will keep the cocktail as cold as possible once it’s poured.
- Measure the Gin and VermouthUsing a jigger, measure 2 ½ ounces of gin and ½ ounce of dry vermouth. The gin-to-vermouth ratio can be adjusted based on your preference. A “dry” martini uses less vermouth, while a “wet” martini includes more.
- Mix or ShakeFor a stirred martini: Add the gin and vermouth to a mixing glass filled with ice cubes. Stir with a bar spoon for about 30 seconds until well-chilled.
- For a shaken martini: Pour the gin and vermouth into a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake for 10-15 seconds for a colder, slightly more diluted martini.
- Strain and ServeDiscard the ice water from the chilled glass. Use a Hawthorne strainer to pour the mixture from the shaker or mixing glass into your martini glass.
- GarnishFor a classic look, garnish with a lemon twist by slicing a strip of lemon peel and twisting it over the drink to release its oils. Alternatively, garnish with a green olive or two for a savory touch. And voilà! Your gin martini is ready to enjoy.