Basic and stylish, a martini is one in every 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 after we had common poker nights with a gaggle of buddies. I’d 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 greatest made at residence. You solely want 2 components—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 couple of occasions, and also you’ll shortly discover a stability you’re keen on.

Martini Substances
A traditional martini comprises two components:
- Gin – The bottle of gin you select will decide the flavour profile of your cocktail. You probably have a favourite model, positively attain for it right here. In the event you’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 major alcohol right here, however when you choose vodka, be happy to make a vodka martini as a substitute. Simply exchange 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 sturdy and produce out the vermouth’s taste, you need to use a decrease ratio of gin to vermouth. 2:1 is traditional for a moist martini, however you could possibly even go right down to 1:1 when you like.
The one manner to determine what you contemplate a “good martini” is to experiment—preserve 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 calming martini glass. (Chill the cocktail glass by putting some ice inside it and stirring gently till condensation varieties on the skin. 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 inform you {that a} martini ought to be stirred, not shaken. Shaking not solely dilutes the drink, but it surely offers it a much less easy texture and cloudy look too. We name for stirring on this recipe to provide the greatest traditional outcomes.
That mentioned, you might need seen James Bond drink a shaken martini earlier than…and Jack likes them too. Shards of ice can kind within the drink when it’s shaken, which he simply thinks is enjoyable. So when you love utilizing your cocktail shaker, there’s no motive you shouldn’t break it out for this drink.

Extra Basic Cocktail Recipes
In the event you love this martini recipe, strive one in every 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
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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 calming martini glass. Garnish with a lemon twist and serve.
