The martini is definitely a classic drink with many variations over the years. Older versions of this recipe would be equal parts Gin and Dry Vermouth, but as time went on drinkers sought drier and drier martinis. Martini purists will tell you that a martini is stirred, not shaken. While shaken martinis definitely have a following, stirring is the traditional method. Stirring the drink will result in less ice melt and therefore a less diluted drink. Shaking the martini may deliver a diluted drink, but the incredible chill of a cocktail shaker is unbeatable. Since super chilled is the ultimate goal in Martini-land, give yourself a head start by storing the gin and martini glasses in the freezer.
- 2 oz. Gin
- 1/2 oz. Vermouth (For a Dry Martini use 1/4 oz.Vermouth)
- Lemon Twist or Green Cocktail Olive
Pour the chilled gin and vermouth into a mixing glass loaded with ice cubes. Stir the contents gently, six to eight turns, then strain into the pre-chilled martini glass. If you're going the lemon twist route, run the twist around the rim of the glass, twist the peel over the drink and drop it into the drink. Otherwise, put a cocktail olive (or three) on a cocktail pick and place that in the drink. In either case, enjoy.