The Gin Martini is king of all cocktails and very personal in the making. It can be a two or three ingredient cocktail. You decide with or without orange bitters.
What is a Classic Gin Martini
Probably the most famous cocktail in the world, the classic dry gin martini is the first and the real Martini. When you ask for a Martini at the bar, this is the one you will be receiving.
It is also called the Dry Martini, which means it has very little vermouth in it. You should definitely be a gin fan before ordering one of these, as it is primarily gin in a glass! Gin, vermouth and lemon peel – that’s it – the Classic Gin Martini!
Where did the Gin Martini come from
Books have been written on the history of the Gin Martini. When asked what the official story it, well, there is no official story. We do know it was around in the 1880’s, the recipe popping up in two famous cocktail books of the time.
How to Make the Classic Gin Martini
You need to start with the following ingredients to make the Martini:
- Gin
- Dry Vermouth
- Lemon Twist
- Ice
- Jigger
- Mixing Glass
- Spoon
- Julep Strainer
- Glass
These ingredients are super simple, so I must impress upon you the importance of having the best ingredients you can buy. Do not skimp on these or it will be an awful tasting cocktail. This to true of all classic cocktails.
Saying that, don’t be afraid to taste it and adjust the measurements for your taste. If you like a little more vermouth, then throw it in. Want an olive, go get one.
Variations on the Gin Martini theme
- Desert Martini: This martini doesn’t even have one drop of vermouth, thus so dry it’s desert-like.
- Wet Martini: A Wet Martini used more vermouth than usual. I love the taste of vermouth, so mine is a wet.
- 50-50 Martini: You guessed it: 50% Gin and 50% Vermouth!
- Gibson: Very much the Martini of the moment since it was mentioned in the Queen’s Gambit! All you do is substitute the lemon peel for cocktail onions.
- Vodka Martini: Some Martini snobs think this is just not a real Martini, but I’ll let them battle it out with you. Take out gin, add vodka.
- Dirty Martini: This is following on from the Vodka Martini – add olive juice to the cocktail and it will blow you away! (My fav!)
Here are a few Martini recipes!
Here is the recipe!!!
For UK measurements, please use my handy Cocktail Measurements converter!
Gin Martini
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 oz gin
- 1/2 ounce dry vermouth
- Optional: 1 dash orange bitters
- Lemon Twist
Instructions
- Add the gin and vermouth to a mixing glass with the bitters if you wish
- Fill with ice and stir until chilled
- Strain into a martini glass
- Express the lemon over the cocktail and add to the drink
Nutrition
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