Mastering Martinis – How to get them ‘perfect’ every time

A bartender is often judged by their ability to make a Martini. A somewhat biased test given that everybody likes their Martinis slightly different. Me – I like mine with gin, dry as a bone and utterly filthy. For other Martini drinkers this could be a nightmare! Today we will explore the history of the Martini, the difference of gin or vodka and whether or not a Martini is shaken or stirred. We will also cover the correct way on how to order a Martini. The Martini cocktail recipe included in this post is for a very standard ‘Dry Martini’. Essentially the safest version to make if someone doesn’t ramble of a long list of very precise instructions. So, let’s get on with it!

A Brief History of the Martini

The Martini’s origins are shrouded in mystery, much like the air of sophistication it exudes. Some say it evolved from the Martinez, a 19th-century cocktail made with gin, sweet vermouth, maraschino liqueur, and bitters. Others argue it was born in the hands of a bartender at the Knickerbocker Hotel in New York. Whatever its true origin, the Martini has become a symbol of refinement and style.

Did you know that Winston Churchill was such a fan of the Martini that he claimed to merely glance at a bottle of vermouth while pouring his gin? Or that James Bond’s famous “shaken, not stirred” preference sparked endless debates among bartenders? (More on that later!) The Martini has also been a favorite of literary giants like Ernest Hemingway and F. Scott Fitzgerald, proving its timeless appeal.

The ingredients: Breaking Down the Essentials

At its core, a classic Martini cocktail is a simple drink: gin (or vodka), dry vermouth, and a garnish. But the magic lies in the quality of the ingredients and how they are balanced. Let us break it down:

1. The Spirit: Gin or Vodka?

The choice between gin and vodka is the first fork in the Martini recipe road. Traditionalists swear by gin, and for good reason. Its botanical complexity adds depth and character to the drink. If you are going the gin route, I recommend Beefeater for its juniper-forward profile or Tanqueray No. Ten for a citrusy twist.

Vodka, on the other hand, offers a cleaner, more neutral base, allowing other elements like vermouth and garnishes to shine. Belvedere or Ketel One are excellent choices for a smooth, premium Martini.

2. Dry Vermouth: The Unsung Hero

Vermouth is what transforms a glass of gin or vodka into a Martini. Dry vermouth, specifically, is key here. It is a fortified wine infused with botanicals, and it adds a subtle herbal complexity to the drink. Noily Prat and Dolin Dry Vermouth are my go-to brands. They are crisp, balanced, and play well with the spirit.

Store your vermouth in the fridge after opening to keep it fresh. Nothing kills a Martini faster than stale vermouth!

3. The Garnish: Olive or Twist?

The garnish is more than just a final addition, it’s a flavor enhancer. A classic olive garnish adds a briny, savory note that complements the dryness of the drink. I love using Castelvetrano olives for their buttery texture and mild flavour but many people ask for blue cheese olives for an umami kick.

If you prefer a citrus twist, a strip of lemon peel expressed over the drink adds a bright, aromatic finish. It is all about personal preference, so do not be afraid to experiment.

Why These Components Work So Well Together

The Martini’s beauty is in its simplicity and balance. The spirit (gin or vodka) provides the backbone, while the vermouth adds nuance and depth. The garnish, whether olive or twist, ties everything together with a final flourish.

Gin’s botanicals harmonize with the herbal notes in dry vermouth, creating a layered, sophisticated flavor profile. Vodka, while more neutral, allows the vermouth to take center stage, resulting in a cleaner, more straightforward drink.

The garnish is not just decorative, it is functional. An olive adds a touch of umami, balancing the drink’s dryness, while a citrus twist introduces a burst of freshness that lifts the entire experience.

How to order a Martini

If you want to make everyone’s life easier you need to know what you want and exactly how to order a Martini. Trust me, the bartender does not want to have to follow up with a series of questions turning ordering a drink into a full blow integration.

1. Decide if you want Vodka or Gin and if you want a specific brand make sure you ask for it – we can do a lot, but we can’t read minds.
2. Say how dry you want it – the drier the Martini the less vermouth and therefore more of the base spirit will come through.
3. If you must say whether or not you would like it shaken or stirred – shaken means more dilution while stirred will be less diluted.
4. Specify your Garnish – Either a lemon twist or a olive or whatever else you could want in there.
5. If you want it a specific way mention that now too – maybe you want it dirty or extra dirty, or maybe over ice (weird I know). Now that the bartender has all this information you can expect your Martini to arrive to the table exactly how you like it.

The Classic Martini Recipe

Ready to make the perfect Martini cocktail? Here is my tried-and-true recipe

Shaken vs. Stirred: The Great Debate

Ah, the age-old question: to shake or to stir? Let us settle this once and for all. Stirring is the traditional method for Martinis. It preserves the spirit’s clarity and texture, resulting in a silky-smooth drink. Shaking, on the other hand, introduces more dilution and aeration, which can muddy the flavors.

That said, shaking can be a great choice if you are using vodka and want a slightly more diluted, frothy texture. But for gin Martinis, I always recommend stirring.

Perfecting your Martini

As bartenders, we know that the Martini is more than just a drink, it is an experience. Here are a few tips to elevate your Martini game:

1. Glassware Matters: Always chill your glass beforehand. A frosty glass keeps the drink cold and adds a touch of elegance.
2. Experiment with Ratios: Play around with the gin-to-vermouth ratio to suit your taste. Some prefer a “wet” Martini (more vermouth), while others like it “dry” (less vermouth).
3. Get Creative with Garnishes: Try stuffed olives, cocktail onions (for a Gibson variation), or even a sprig of rosemary for a modern twist.

Conclusion

The Martini recipe is a classic, but it is also a playground for creativity. Whether you stick to the traditional recipe or experiment with variations like the Espresso Martini or Vespa Martini, the possibilities are endless.

So, that for which are you waiting? Grab your favorite gin or vodka, a bottle of dry vermouth, and start shaking (or stirring!). And do not forget to share your creations with me. I would love to hear how you are putting your own spin on this timeless cocktail.