Everyone should know how to make a good Martini with gin but sadly, it’s easy to get wrong! That ends now!
Oddly enough, a real Gin Martini is as simple as it is good. It’s clean and it doesn’t require many ingredients to achieve what some call the world’s greatest drink. Let’s begin with the first step…the basic recipe.
Here is the basic recipe for a Good, Classic Gin Martini
Classic Gin Martini for One
- 2.5 oz Old London Dry Gin
- 1/2 oz Dry Vermouth
- 1-2 dashes orange bitters
- lemon twist
Now, that’s just the beginning. We have to make sure this martini isn’t just another ho-hum gin martini with no personality.
Keep reading to find out other details such as whether to shake or stir your delicious gin martini and watch out for a big mistake….
Serving Tips for a Good Gin Martini
Becoming a Martini drinker means you have plenty of choices to make based on your preferences. You may even end up with such strong feelings that you can create your own Martini Manifesto.
But it all starts with the classic recipe above.
Even though there are many, many variations when it comes to gin to vermouth ratio, using bitters or not, mixing technique as well as garnish, all will agree that the biggest mistake you can make when making a gin martini is serving it warm.
Whether you want to strain the ice or have your Martini on the rocks, a Good, Classic Gin Martini should always be served COLD.
Fun Fact about the Gin Martini
In the past, you really didn’t have to say “gin” martini because they were always made with gin. Now, vodka martinis are so popular that people have come to specify “gin martini”. To a gin enthusiast, it’s like hearing, how do you make a Shellfish Paella?
Anyway, let’s move on to more tips for everyone new to mixing up GIN Martinis.
What kind of Gin should I use for a Good and Classic Martini?
The traditional botanicals, namely the juniper, of the London Dry combine very well with the flavors of dry vermouth.
New Western styles are generally more citrus forward and are also a good choice. No matter what, you should enjoy the flavor of the gin you use because it is the most important ingredient of a good gin martini.
Best Brand Suggestions
A nice London Dry style gin like Gordon’s, Bombay Sapphire or Tanqueray is the go-to for the classic Martini drinkers.
For more on the nuances of gin and how to taste them, here’s a guide.
How much Vermouth goes in the Classic Gin Martini?
Some Martini drinkers love to make a big show about skipping the vermouth altogether. You can absolutely do that but then you aren’t really drinking a Classic Gin Martini at that point. Typically a 5:1 gin to vermouth ratio is best.
Vermouth is what helps create the magic of a good classic gin Martini, don’t skip it. But….You can adjust the amount of vermouth based on the flavor profile of the gin you are using so you can achieve the best balance for you.
Also keep in mind, there are many brands of vermouth to try so a different brand will make a difference also .
Shake or Stir?
There two camps here. Traditionally the classic Gin Martini is stirred. Stirring a cocktail combines and chills the ingredients with less dilution and higher clarity.
Some think shaking the cocktail brings the flavor of the vermouth forward. Shaking does create aeration and tiny ice crystals that some people love and others do not!
Shaken or stirred is up to you. Classically speaking, it’s stirred.
Tip: Chill the glass ahead of time for a head start.
Orange bitters in my Classic Gin Martini?!
You may not realize this, but the traditional Gin Martini has a dash or two of orange bitters. Although these days it seems to be optional, try it if you’re really looking for the classic.
Again, the components of the cocktail are moving parts so you may like orange bitters with some gins and vermouths but not others. At least it’s fun to experiment!
Best Garnish for Classic Gin Martini
A lemon twist is not only a beautiful garnish for a Martini, it’s a must if you’re trying to make the classic. Remember to actually “twist the peel” over the martini, so that you see the oils broadcast over the surface.
This gives the classic martini it’s quintessential burst of citrus. You can also rub the twist along the rim for an extra bitter experience.
What about olives?
Who doesn’t love olives on a stick? Some go far beyond some other typical garnishes like pickled onions and cornichons to seaweed and octopus tentacles.
Though delicious, it’s no longer considered a classic gin martini if you add edible garnishes. Maybe just stick to the classic lemon twist and put out a bowl of olives. Problem solved!
The Right Gin Martini Glass
Do not use a highball, gin/juice glass here. Choose a stemmed glass that helps keep your cocktail cold, like say, a martini glass! Styles come and go but the martini glass is a classic. Coupe glasses are also good for any cocktail served up.
Summing up a Good, Classic Gin Martini
So the best advice is to make a classic Gin Martini your point of departure. Keeping it simple and traditional is your springboard for adding and subtracting ingredients.
Choice of gin, choice of vermouth, using the bitters, skipping the bitters, citrus garnish, briny garnish, it’s up to you and your taste buds.
Try the classic gin martini recipe above, and start adjusting, if you need to. But you may just find out that there is no need to improve upon the classic.
To learn about different styles of gin and the great cocktails you can make with it, visit our homepage and have a drink with us.
