Breaking Down the: Martini

While the origins of the Martini are uncertain, it’s been a popular drink since at least the 1860s. So much so that some establishments choose to focus solely on the drink and pairing it with a menu that accentuates its unique flavor.

Especially with pop culture pushing thee drink in movies such as James Bond and President Franklin Roosevelt’s "Dirty" variations. In this article, we’ll discuss the basic recipe, how to serve the drink, and common embellishments and additions.

Martini Recipes

Classic Dry Martini 

1/2 oz (Martini) dry vermouth

2 oz gin 

Traditionally stirred or served shaken

Served either straight or on the rocks

“Perfect” Martini

½ oz dry vermouth

½ oz sweet vermouth

2 oz Gin

Traditionally stirred or served shaken

Served either straight or on the rocks

Vesper “Bond” Martini

2 oz (Beefeater) Dry Gin

1 oz Vodka

1/2 oz Lillet Blanc Aromatised Wine

Shaken until cold

Served straight

Garnish with a thin slice of lemon

Dirty Martini

2 oz gin

1/4 oz dry vermouth

1-2 bar spoons olive brine (make your own)

1-2 olives for garnish

Traditionally stirred or served shaken

Served either straight or on the rocks

Serving Style & Embellishments

The drink is mostly served in a cocktail glass. The most common way to embellish the drink is with a skewered olive or twist of lemon peel. However, depending on the variation you may see cocktail onions (which changes the drink to a Gibson), fruit, flowers, or even bare.

Additions

The easiest way to differentiate your martini offering from others in the area is to focus on a specific variable of the classic martini. This includes adding in an additional liquor or substituting the vermouth or gin with flavored alternatives. Common examples include:

• Apple
• Black Pepper & Garlic
• Grapefruit
• Blue Dolphin
• Chocolate
• Coffee
• Elderflower
• Lemon

Martini Glasses