Best 8 Classic Martini Recipes

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Indulge in the timeless elegance of the Classic Martini, a sophisticated cocktail that has captivated taste buds for over a century. This iconic drink, often associated with sophistication and glamour, is a harmonious blend of gin, dry vermouth, and a touch of bitters, garnished with a twist of lemon or an olive. Its simplicity allows the distinct flavors of each ingredient to shine through, creating a well-balanced and refreshing libation. Whether you prefer it shaken or stirred, dry or dirty, the Classic Martini stands as a testament to the enduring power of simplicity and balance in the world of cocktails.

Alongside the Classic Martini, this article presents a collection of intriguing variations that cater to diverse tastes and preferences. Discover the Gin Martini, a purist's delight that showcases the juniper-forward flavors of gin. For a more botanical experience, explore the Vodka Martini, where the neutral spirit allows the vermouth and bitters to take center stage. If you seek a smoky twist, the Mezcal Martini infuses the drink with a subtle smokiness, adding depth and complexity to the classic recipe. And for those who appreciate the herbal notes of genever, the Genever Martini offers a unique and historical take on this timeless cocktail.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

CLASSIC MARTINI



Classic Martini image

Provided by Food Network

Yield 1 serving

Number Of Ingredients 3

3.5 ounces vodka or gin
.5 ounces dry vermouth
Olive or lemon twist for garnish

Steps:

  • Pour ice, vodka and vermouth into a glass shaker. Shake and pour into a martini glass. Garnish with olives or lemon twist.

THE CLASSIC VODKA MARTINI



The Classic Vodka Martini image

Provided by Food Network

Categories     beverage

Yield 1 serving

Number Of Ingredients 2

Dry Vermouth
2 ounces vodka, chilled

Steps:

  • Pour a little bit of dry vermouth in a chilled martini glass and swirl to
  • coat the inside of the glass. Dispose of excess vermouth. In a shaker full of ice,
  • gently swirl or stir the vodka before straining into glass.
  • Serving suggestion: Garnish with olives or lemon twist and add rocks if you like.

THE CLASSIC MARTINI



The Classic Martini image

Kingsley Amis and Churchill could hardly stand the stuff, but a little extra vermouth goes a long way.

Provided by Rosie Schaap

Categories     cocktails

Number Of Ingredients 3

4 parts Beefeater gin
1 part Noilly Prat dry vermouth
1 small strip of lemon peel

Steps:

  • Fill a mixing glass with ice.
  • Pour in the gin and vermouth.
  • Stir for 30 seconds, then strain into a chilled coupe.
  • Twist the lemon peel over the drink, then place it on the coupe's edge. The mildly adventurous can garnish with a fresh sage leaf instead.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 283, UnsaturatedFat 0 grams, Carbohydrate 2 grams, Fat 0 grams, Fiber 0 grams, Protein 0 grams, SaturatedFat 0 grams, Sodium 5 milligrams, Sugar 1 gram

CLASSIC MARTINI



Classic Martini image

Provided by Geoffrey Zakarian

Categories     beverage

Time 5m

Yield 1 serving

Number Of Ingredients 3

1 olive plus 1/2 ounce olive brine
1 dash dry vermouth
3 ounces gin, such as Plymouth, frozen

Steps:

  • Shake the olive brine extra cold with large ice in a cocktail shaker. In a chilled Nick and Nora glass, drop in a dash of vermouth and coat the inside of the glass to season it. Strain the olive brine into the glass. Fill with frozen gin of choice. Add 1 olive on a crystal pick and serve.

CLASSIC MARTINI



Classic Martini image

This recipe comes from Allen Katz, host of The Cocktail Hour on Martha Stewart Living Radio.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Drink Recipes     Cocktail Recipes

Number Of Ingredients 3

1 1/2 ounces gin
1/2 ounce dry vermouth
1 dash orange bitters

Steps:

  • Stir ingredients over ice until exceedingly well chilled. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass and garnish with a lemon twist.

CLASSIC DIRTY DI MARTINI



Classic Dirty Di Martini image

I do not have these too often... thank goodness. But, when I do have a cocktail it MUST be expertly prepared, top of the line, and delicious like this classic martini. Keys to success are the cold vodka, shaker, frozen martini glass and top shelf vodka.

Provided by Dianne Hocut

Categories     Cocktails

Time 5m

Number Of Ingredients 6

2 1/2 shots ice cold top shelf vodka such as grey goose
1/2 shot dry vermouth
4 tsp green olive juice
2 green olives, large, for garnish
1 shaker and frozen martini glass
ice

Steps:

  • 1. Fill ice to the top of shaker. Shake all ingredients for about 20-30 seconds. Strain into glass and garnish with large olives.

CLASSIC MARTINI



Classic Martini image

You've got to start with a classic martini: Gin, dry vermouth, and lemon.

Provided by Audrey Saunders

Categories     Gin     Martini     Bon Appétit     Drink     Cocktail     Drinks

Yield Makes 1

Number Of Ingredients 3

4 ounces Beefeater gin
3/4 ounce Noilly Prat dry vermouth
1 lemon

Steps:

  • Nice Ice, Baby:
  • Hold a large ice cube in the center of your palm. Use the back of a bar spoon (really, any spoon will work) to crack it into smaller jagged pieces. Transfer ice to a mixing glass and repeat until you've got enough cracked ice to fill glass.
  • A Smooth Mix:
  • Add gin and vermouth (it doesn't matter what order). Just like in cooking, you should taste your ingredients separately and try to pair them thoughtfully (see chart at right for other Saunders pairings).
  • It's All in the Wrist:
  • Bond was wrong. Shaking breaks up the ice, which leads to overdiluted martinis. Some dilution is good; it softens the spirits so you can taste the botanicals, not just the heat of the alcohol. Rapidly stir 50 times- count to 50, for real!-in a circular motion; the outside of the glass will be very cold and frosty.
  • No Strain, No Gain:
  • Using a Hawthorne strainer, which fits snugly over the top of a mixing glass, or a slotted spoon (in a pinch), strain martini into a chilled Nick and Nora glass. Strain any remaining martini into a "sidecar" (use a minicarafe- on ice, of course), possibly the greatest drinking add-on ever invented.

CLASSIC MARTINI



Classic Martini image

Categories     Gin     Alcoholic     Olive     Christmas     Cocktail Party     Cocktail     Martini     Fortified Wine     Bon Appétit     Drink

Yield Serves 2

Number Of Ingredients 3

3/4 cup gin
2 teaspoons dry vermouth
Green olives, with pimiento

Steps:

  • Fill a cocktail shaker with ice; add gin and vermouth. Shake and strain into 2 chilled Martini glasses. Garnish with an olive.

Tips for Crafting the Perfect Classic Martini:

  • Select Premium Ingredients: Opt for high-quality gin and vermouth to enhance the flavor of your martini. Look for gins with a balanced botanical profile and vermouths that offer a rich and complex taste.
  • Use Chilled Glassware: Pre-chill your martini glass by filling it with ice and water for a few minutes before serving. This helps maintain the ideal temperature of the drink and prevents dilution.
  • Measure Accurately: Use a jigger or measuring spoon to ensure precise proportions of gin and vermouth. The classic martini ratio is 2:1 gin to vermouth, but you can adjust this to suit your personal preference.
  • Stir, Don't Shake: Unlike other cocktails, martinis are traditionally stirred, not shaken. This gentler method preserves the clarity and prevents excessive dilution, resulting in a smooth and elegant drink.
  • Garnish Elegantly: The classic martini is typically garnished with a twist of lemon or an olive. To create a lemon twist, slice a thin strip of lemon peel and twist it over the drink, releasing its aromatic oils.

Conclusion:

The classic martini is a timeless cocktail that embodies sophistication and elegance. By following these tips and using premium ingredients, you can elevate your martini-making skills and impress your guests with a perfectly balanced and flavorful drink. Whether you prefer it dry, wet, or with a twist of lemon, the classic martini is a versatile cocktail that can be enjoyed and appreciated by connoisseurs and casual drinkers alike. So, raise a glass and savor the timeless allure of this iconic cocktail.

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