Dry Martini Recipe: Crisp and Elegant

Introduction

The dry martini is a timeless cocktail, renowned for its simplicity and sophistication, blending the botanical notes of gin with a hint of dry vermouth. Perfect for cocktail parties, date nights, or a refined evening at home, its clean, crisp flavor appeals to both novice and seasoned drinkers. This recipe delivers a classic dry martini, adaptable for preferences, and is best served ice-cold for an elegant sipping experience.

Ingredients

For the Dry Martini:

• 2.5 oz gin (e.g., London Dry like Beefeater or Tanqueray)
• 0.5 oz dry vermouth (e.g., Noilly Prat or Dolin)
• Ice cubes
• Garnish: 1-3 green olives or a lemon peel twist

For Serving:

• Optional: Cocktail pick for olives
• Suggested Pairings: Oysters, smoked salmon, or salted nuts
• Suggested Equipment: Mixing glass, bar spoon, jigger, strainer, chilled martini glass
• Suggested Music: Jazz or lounge (e.g., Frank Sinatra or Miles Davis)

Step-by-Step Process

1. Chill Glass: Place a martini glass in the freezer for 10 minutes or fill with ice water to chill while preparing the drink.
2. Prepare Mixing Glass: Fill a mixing glass with ice cubes to cool the liquid without diluting excessively.
3. Add Ingredients: Pour 2.5 oz of gin and 0.5 oz dry vermouth over the ice in the mixing glass.
4. Stir: Stir gently with a bar spoon for 20-30 seconds until the mixture is well-chilled and slightly diluted. Avoid shaking unless preferred (see variations).
5. Strain: Discard ice from the chilled martini glass if used. Strain the cocktail into the glass using a cocktail strainer to remove ice.
6. Garnish: Add 1-3 green olives on a cocktail pick or express a lemon peel twist over the drink by pinching it to release oils, then drop it in or drape it over the rim.
7. Serve: Serve immediately, ice-cold, with pairings like oysters or nuts, accompanied by jazz music for ambiance.

Tips for a Better Dry Martini

• Chill the glass to keep the drink cold longer; a warm glass dulls the experience.
• Use high-quality gin and fresh vermouth; store vermouth in the fridge for up to a month.
• Stir, don’t shake, for a silky texture; shaking bruises the gin and clouds the drink.
• Adjust the vermouth ratio to taste; less vermouth makes it “drier” (e.g., 3:1 or 5:1 gin-to-vermouth).
• Use fresh ice to avoid off-flavors; large cubes melt more slowly, reducing dilution.
• Express lemon peel over the glass to enhance aroma without overpowering the drink.
• Serve promptly; martinis lose their chill and crispness if left sitting.
• Experiment with gin brands; each has unique botanicals that affect flavor.

Variations and Customization

• Extra Dry Martini: Reduce vermouth to a rinse (swirl 1 tsp in the glass and discard) or 1/8 oz.
• Vodka Martini: Replace gin with 2.5 oz vodka for a smoother, less botanical drink.
• Dirty Martini: Add 1-2 tsp olive brine for a salty, briny flavor; use more olives.
• Gibson: Garnish with a cocktail onion instead of olives or lemon.
• Shaken Martini: Shake ingredients with ice in a cocktail shaker for 10-15 seconds for a frothier texture (à la James Bond).
• Herbal Martini: Add a sprig of fresh thyme or rosemary to the mixing glass for subtle herbaceous notes.
• 50/50 Martini: Use equal parts gin and vermouth (1.25 oz each) for a softer, more vermouth-forward drink.
• Low-Alcohol Martini: Use 1.5 oz gin and 1 oz vermouth, topped with a splash of soda water.

Storage and Serving Tips

• Not applicable for storage; martinis are best made fresh and consumed immediately.
• Pre-batch for parties: Mix gin and vermouth (5:1 ratio) in a bottle, store in the fridge for up to a day, and stir with ice before serving.
• Serve in a chilled martini glass for the classic presentation; a coupe works as a substitute.
• Pair with light, savory snacks to complement the drink’s crispness without overwhelming it.
• Avoid leaving the drink at room temperature; it loses its chill and appeal quickly.
• For outdoor events, keep ingredients and glasses in a cooler to maintain coldness.
• Use a jigger for precise measurements to balance flavors consistently.
• Clean glassware thoroughly to avoid residual flavors affecting the cocktail.

Nutritional Information

Based on 1 serving (3 oz liquid, without garnish):

• Calories: 180 kcal
• Total Fat: 0g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 5mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 0g
• Dietary Fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 0g
• Protein: 0g
• Vitamin A: 0% Daily Value
• Vitamin C: 0% Daily Value
• Calcium: 0% Daily Value
• Iron: 0% Daily Value

Note: Nutritional values vary based on gin and vermouth brands. This cocktail is low in calories but high in alcohol (about 40% ABV). Olives add ~10 kcal each, and brine increases sodium in dirty variations. Consume responsibly.

Conclusion

This dry martini recipe delivers a crisp, elegant cocktail that’s perfect for sophisticated gatherings or quiet evenings. Its simple preparation and refined flavors make it a favorite for home mixologists. The botanical gin and subtle vermouth create a timeless combination. This recipe is sure to become a classic, cherished for its elegance and versatility.

Dry Martini Recipe: Crisp and Elegant

Classic dry martini with gin and vermouth.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 5 minutes mins

Servings 1

Ingredients

  

• 2.5 oz gin
• 0.5 oz dry vermouth
• Ice cubes
• 1-3 green olives or lemon peel
• Optional: Cocktail pick
• Suggested Pairings: Oysters jazz music

Instructions

 

• Chill a martini glass in the freezer or with ice water.
• Fill a mixing glass with ice; add gin and vermouth.
• Stir for 20-30 seconds until chilled.
• Strain into a chilled glass.
• Garnish with olives or lemon peel; serve with oysters.

Notes

• Stir, don’t shake, for clarity.
• Use fresh vermouth, and store it in the fridge.
• Try a dirty martini variation.
• Pair with smoked salmon.