Enjoy a Dukes Martini with this easy recipe! With Gin, dry vermouth, and a lemon twist, it's the perfect drink for your fanciest dinner parties.
Prep time:
1 minute
Mixing time:
1 minute
Servings:
1
Calories:
176
Ingredients
- 2½ oz Gin - chilled in the freezer
- ¼ oz Dry Vermouth - chilled in the fridge
- Lemon twist
Equipment
- Martini Glass
- Measuring Jigger
- Freezer
Instructions
- Chill ingredients: The day before making the drink, chill the dry vermouth by placing it in the fridge. At the same time, place the bottle of gin in the freezer and let them both rest overnight.
- Chill the Martini Glass: The next day, place your martini glass in the freezer for about 30 minutes to 1 hour to get it nice and cold. (Optional: pour 2 bar spoons of water inside the glass and swirl to coat the sides of the glass before freezing).
- Add Vermouth: Once the glass is ready, pour ¼ oz Dry Vermouth into the chilled glass.
- Add Gin: Take the gin out of the freezer and pour 2½ oz Gin into the glass.
- Garnish: Twist a lemon zest over the top of the drink to release its oils, then drop it into the glass. Serve immediately.
Notes
Substitutes:
- Gin: If you don't have Gin, vodka can be used as a substitute. It will give a different flavor profile but still makes a great martini. For a more botanical flavor, try using a botanical vodka.
- Dry Vermouth: If you're out of dry vermouth, you can substitute white or extra-dry vermouth. Lillet Blanc can be a good alternative as well. Remember that this will alter the taste of your martini, but it can still make an enjoyable drink.
Making a Pitcher of Dukes Martini:
- Scale: To make a pitcher that serves 8, multiply all the ingredients by 8. That would be 20 oz of Gin and 2 oz of dry vermouth.
- Mix: Pour the dry vermouth into a large pitcher or glass bottle. Swirl or shake to coat and discard the extra vermouth. Add the gin, close the bottle, or cover the pitcher with plastic wrap, and let it rest overnight in the freezer.
- Serve: Pour the mixture into frozen martini glasses, garnish with a lemon twist, and serve immediately. If you have leftovers, be sure to keep them in the freezer so your drink remains ice-cold at all times.
Making it Non-Alcoholic:
- Gin Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic gin substitute; several brands are available that mimic the flavor of Gin without the alcohol. Make sure to keep it in the fridge and not in the freezer, as this one will freeze and become solid as it doesn’t contain any alcohol.
- Vermouth Substitute: You can use a non-alcoholic vermouth (such as Martini Floreale for example) or a non-alcoholic white wine.
- Proceed As Usual: Keep both the gin and the vermouth substitute in the fridge for at least 12 hours before making the drink. Swirl the non-alcoholic vermouth in a frozen martini glass ‘if you wish, you may as well add 2 dashes of lemon bitters with the vermouth to give an extra layer of flavor to the drink) and discard the excess. Add the cold gin, garnish with lemon zest, and serve immediately.
Making it Vegan:
The Dukes Martini is naturally vegan as it doesn't contain any animal products. Most spirits, including gin and dry vermouth, are vegan-friendly. However, some brands may use animal products in their production process, especially if a filtration process is involved. Always check the brand's website or contact them directly to ensure their products are vegan.What is a Dukes Martini?
A Dukes Martini is a gin-based cocktail made of frozen Gin and dry vermouth. It’s not difficult to make, but it requires some specific steps for the perfect blend. The key lies in the preparation: the Gin must be kept in the freezer until it reaches an almost syrupy consistency before being mixed with a splash of vermouth.
What is a Dukes Martini made of – The ingredients
A Dukes Martini requires these specific ingredients:
- Gin: The primary spirit in a Dukes Martini, it provides a strong, robust cocktail base.
- Dry Vermouth: This fortified wine adds a touch of sweetness and complexity to balance out the Gin’s strength.
- Lemon Peel: A twist of lemon peel imparts a subtle citrus note, enhancing the drink’s freshness.
