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:
Martini Glasses