Unwind with our classic Gin Martini recipe! Blending gin, dry vermouth, and a twist or olive, this sleek cocktail is a must-try for any sophisticated evening.
Prep time:
1 minute
Mixing time:
1 minute
Servings:
1
Calories:
175
Ingredients
- 2½ oz Gin
- ½ oz dry Vermouth
- Ice cubes
- Lemon twist or olive - for garnish, optional
Equipment
- Martini Glass or Nick & Nora Glass
- Measuring Jigger
- Cocktail Shaker or Mixing Glass
- Stirrer or Bar Spoon
- Strainer
Instructions
- Chill the Glass: Place your Nick & Nora glass in the freezer or fill it with ice to chill.
- Add Dry Vermouth: Pour ½ oz dry Vermouth into a mixing glass or a shaker.
- Add Gin: Measure and pour 2½ oz Gin.
- Add ice: Ice up the mixing glass or the shaker.
- Stir or Shake: Stir the mixture gently with a bar spoon. If you prefer a shaken martini, give the shaker a vigorous shake.
- Strain: Empty the Martini glass (if you've been chilling it with ice) and strain the mixture into the glass.
- Garnish: Add a lemon twist or olive for garnish.
Notes
Substitutes:
- Gin: While I love the botanical flavors of gin in a martini, you can switch to vodka. It gives a more neutral taste, which some people appreciate.
- Dry Vermouth: No dry vermouth? Try using a splash of white wine. It won't be a classic martini but can serve in a pinch. If you opt for this, a dash of orange bitters can help to enhance the flavor.
Making a Pitcher of Gin Martini:
- Scale: To make a pitcher that serves 8, multiply all the ingredients by 8. That's 20 oz of gin and 4 oz of dry vermouth.
- Mix: In a large pitcher, combine the gin and dry vermouth. Stir well.
- Serve: Pour the mixture into chilled Martini glasses, garnish with a lemon twist or olive, and serve immediately.
Making it Non-Alcoholic:
- Gin Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic gin substitute; several brands are available that mimic gin's unique botanical flavors.
- Dry Vermouth Substitute: Opt for a non-alcoholic dry white wine or even a grape juice with a splash of lemon juice.
- Proceed As Usual: Use these non-alcoholic substitutes instead of the regular ingredients, follow the original steps, and enjoy a non-alcoholic Gin Martini.
Making it Vegan:
Most Gin Martinis are already vegan. However, always check the label of your gin and vermouth. Some alcoholic products might use animal-derived fining agents. If you're using olives as a garnish, ensure they aren't stuffed with non-vegan ingredients, such as blue cheese.
What is a Gin Martini?
Gin Martini is a cocktail that combines gin with dry vermouth. Historians often link this iconic drink to the early days of cocktail-making, signifying its ageless appeal. While its origins are debated, one thing is sure: its simplicity and elegance have solidified its place in cocktail history. You don’t need to frequent upscale bars to appreciate a Gin Martini. This revered Gin Martini recipe delivers sophistication, yet it remains remarkably straightforward in its composition.
What is a Gin Martini made of – The ingredients
Get these ingredients ready for your Gin Martini:
- Gin: The primary spirit that provides a robust, aromatic foundation. Distilled from grain, gin carries botanical flavors, especially juniper.
- Dry Vermouth: A fortified wine that adds complexity and a hint of bitterness to balance the gin’s botanicals.
- Lemon Twist or Olive (Optional for garnish): Enhances presentation and introduces a subtle citrus or briny note to the drink’s finish.
