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–+ servings

Classic Martini

The classic martini is the epitome of elegance: a refined mix of gin (or vodka) and dry vermouth, chilled to perfection and garnished with a lemon twist or olive. It’s a timeless cocktail that embodies sophistication with every sip.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Servings: 1
Course: Drinks
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 ½ oz gin or vodka, if you prefer
  • ½ oz dry vermouth
  • 1 cup Ice for shaker only
  • 1-3 tbsp olive juice optional (see notes).
  • 1 Lemon twist or 1-3 olives on a skewer for garnish

Equipment

  • 1 Cocktail Shaker

Method
 

  1. Chill the Glass: Fill a martini glass with ice and water to chill it. Set aside.
  2. Mix the Martini: In a cocktail shaker, combine the gin (or vodka) and dry vermouth with ice.
  3. If you are making a dirty martini, add your preferred amount of olive juice to the shaker now.
  4. Shake: for about 30 seconds, or longer slightly more diluted martini.
  5. Prepare the Glass: Discard the ice and water from the martini glass.
  6. Strain: the mixed drink into the chilled martini glass.
  7. Garnish: with a lemon twist or an olive.
  8. Cheers to classic elegance!

Notes

Straight up
A martini served chilled and strained into a glass without ice, typically a tall martini glass. The drink is usually shaken or stirred with ice before straining.
 
Dirty
A martini that includes olive brine or olive juice, which can add a salty, savory flavor. The brine can be used in place of or in addition to vermouth. Some variations of dirty martinis include "extra dirty", which uses equal parts brine and vermouth, and "filthy", which uses even more brine. Dirty martinis are often shaken to help tone down the taste of alcohol and incorporate the brine.
 
My personal taste preference for a martini is the dirtier the better. ;-)

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