Vodka Martini
A vodka martini is crisp, cold, and simple, which means the small details matter. Use good ice, chill the glass, and adjust the vermouth to suit your taste.
Total
5 min
Servings
1 cocktail
Level
Easy
A vodka martini is a classic stirred cocktail made with vodka and dry vermouth, then finished with either a lemon twist or olives. It is clean, bracing, and meant to be served very cold.
This version uses a balanced ratio: enough vermouth to bring aroma and softness, but not so much that it takes over. If you like a very dry martini, use less vermouth; if you want a rounder drink, use a little more.
Because there are only a few ingredients, temperature and technique do most of the work. Chill your glass first, stir with plenty of ice, and strain the drink as soon as it is icy and smooth.
01What you'll need
Ingredients
5 items · 1 cocktail
- 2 1/2 ounces vodka
- 1/2 ounce dry vermouth
- Ice, for stirring
- 1 dash orange bitters, optional
- Lemon twist or 1 to 3 green olives, for garnish
02How to make it
Step-by-step
1. Chill the glass
Place a martini glass or coupe in the freezer for at least 5 minutes. If you are short on time, fill the glass with ice water while you mix the drink, then empty and dry it before serving.
2. Fill the mixing glass
Fill a mixing glass or sturdy pint glass about two-thirds full with ice. Use fresh, solid ice if you can, because it chills the drink without watering it down too quickly.
3. Add the spirits
Pour the vodka and dry vermouth over the ice. Add orange bitters if you like a subtle citrus-spice note. Bitters are optional, but they can make the drink taste a little more rounded.
4. Stir until very cold
Stir for 20 to 30 seconds with a bar spoon or long spoon. Stirring chills and slightly dilutes the cocktail, which softens the alcohol. The outside of the mixing glass should feel very cold.
5. Strain into the glass
Empty the ice water from your serving glass if you used it. Strain the cocktail into the chilled glass, leaving the ice behind.
6. Garnish and serve
For a lemon twist, peel a strip of lemon zest, squeeze it gently over the drink to release the oils, then drop it in or rest it on the rim. For an olive garnish, spear 1 to 3 olives and place them in the glass. Serve right away.
03From our kitchen
Cook's tips
- Make-ahead: You can pre-batch the vodka and vermouth in the same ratio and keep the mixture in the freezer for a few hours. Stir each serving with ice before pouring so the drink gets the right amount of dilution.
- Storage: A mixed martini is best served immediately. If you have extra pre-batched vodka and vermouth, keep it covered in the refrigerator or freezer and use within 1 to 2 days for the freshest flavor.
- For a drier martini: Use 1/4 ounce dry vermouth, or rinse the chilled glass with vermouth and pour out the excess before adding stirred vodka.
- For a wetter martini: Increase the dry vermouth to 3/4 ounce or even 1 ounce. This makes the drink softer and more aromatic.
- Vodka swaps: Choose a vodka you enjoy drinking cold. A smoother vodka will make a cleaner martini, while a grain- or potato-based vodka may bring a little more texture.
- Garnish swaps: Use a lemon twist for a bright, clean finish. Use olives for a savory drink. Add a small splash of olive brine if you want a dirty vodka martini.
Cook's note
This recipe is intended for adults of legal drinking age. A martini is a strong cocktail, so serve it in a small glass and sip slowly. For the cleanest flavor, store dry vermouth in the refrigerator after opening and use it within about a month.
04Frequently asked
Questions & answers
Should a vodka martini be shaken or stirred?
Stirring is the classic method because it keeps the drink clear and silky. Shaking makes it colder and slightly frothy, with more dilution. If you prefer that texture, shaking is fine, but stir first if you want a cleaner-looking martini.
What is a dry vodka martini?
A dry martini uses less dry vermouth. In this recipe, 1/2 ounce gives balance. For a drier version, reduce the vermouth to 1/4 ounce or simply rinse the glass with vermouth.
What kind of vermouth should I use?
Use dry vermouth, not sweet vermouth. Look for a fresh bottle, and keep it refrigerated after opening. Vermouth is a fortified wine, so it loses flavor over time once opened.
Can I make a dirty vodka martini with this recipe?
Yes. Add 1/4 to 1/2 ounce olive brine with the vodka and vermouth, then stir with ice. Start with less brine, taste, and adjust the next round if you want it saltier.
Why does my martini taste too strong?
It may not be cold or diluted enough. Stir the drink with plenty of ice for at least 20 seconds. You can also add a little more vermouth, which makes the cocktail feel smoother.
05Keep cooking
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