There’s something timeless about a martini. The way the glass catches the light, the gentle clink of the shaker, that first bracing sip, it’s all elegance and ease rolled into one.
I still remember the first time I made one at home: it was a quiet Friday evening, soft jazz playing in the background, and I wanted to treat myself to something simple but special. No fancy bar required, just a good gin, a splash of vermouth, and a twist of lemon.
The martini is more than just a cocktail; it’s a ritual. Whether it’s a cozy date night in, a girls’ gathering after a long week, or a pre-dinner drink at the holidays, it has a way of slowing things down and adding a little sparkle to ordinary moments.
This version is smooth, balanced, and endlessly reliable, what I like to call my “foolproof martini.” You can make it dry, dirty, or with a twist depending on your mood, but the base recipe stays the same: simple, sophisticated, and perfect every time.
Classic Martini Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Chill the glass: Place a martini glass in the freezer for a few minutes or fill it with ice water to chill while you prepare the drink.
- Combine ingredients: In a mixing glass or cocktail shaker, add the gin (or vodka), dry vermouth, and ice cubes.
- Stir or shake: Stir gently for about 30 seconds for a smoother martini, or shake briefly for a slightly cloudier, colder version.
- Strain and serve: Discard the ice water from the martini glass (if used), then strain the mixture into the chilled glass.
- Garnish: Add two green olives on a cocktail pick or a fresh lemon twist for a touch of brightness.
- Enjoy immediately: Serve chilled and sip slowly.
About the Recipe
This best martini recipe keeps everything classic, just the way it should be. The proportions are tested and true, giving you that perfect balance between crisp gin and aromatic vermouth.
I use a 5:1 ratio, which leans dry but still smooth enough for easy sipping. If you prefer vodka over gin, this recipe works beautifully either way.
You only need three core ingredients, gin (or vodka), dry vermouth, and ice, and a garnish of your choice. The magic lies in the details: using chilled glassware, stirring (not shaking) for crystal-clear texture, and measuring carefully so each sip tastes just right.
This recipe serves 2 martinis, ideal for sharing or for a quiet evening with a loved one. It’s sophisticated enough for dinner parties yet easy enough to whip up anytime you crave a little indulgence.
Ingredients
- 5 ounces high-quality gin (or vodka, if you prefer)
- 1 ounce dry vermouth (such as Noilly Prat or Dolin)
- Ice cubes (enough to fill your mixing glass halfway)
- Lemon twist or 2 green olives, for garnish
Optional Variations:
- For a dirty martini, add ½ to 1 teaspoon olive brine before stirring.
- For a dry martini, reduce the vermouth to ½ ounce.
- For a wet martini, use 2 ounces vermouth for a silkier flavor.
Instructions
- Chill your glass.
Place your martini glasses in the freezer for at least 10 minutes. A frosty glass keeps your drink cold longer and adds that “bar-quality” feel. - Measure and combine.
Add the gin (or vodka) and vermouth to a mixing glass or cocktail shaker filled halfway with ice. - Stir until perfectly chilled.
Stir gently for about 30 seconds. You’re not looking to shake, the goal is a silky, clear texture. The outside of the shaker should feel icy cold. - Strain and serve.
Using a cocktail strainer, pour into your chilled martini glass. Look for that clean shimmer and slight chill on the surface, it’s the sign of a well-made martini. - Garnish.
Finish with a lemon twist for brightness or a couple of olives for a savory edge.
Pro Tip: Twist the lemon peel over the glass to release the oils, then rub it lightly along the rim before dropping it in. It elevates the aroma and flavor beautifully.
Tips for Success
The secret to a perfect martini is precision and temperature. Always start with a chilled glass, it keeps the drink crisp and slows dilution. If you skip this step, your martini can warm too quickly and lose its charm.
Choose your gin wisely. Each brand has its own personality: botanical and floral gins create a lighter, aromatic drink, while juniper-forward ones make for a sharper edge. Experiment a little to find your favorite. And remember, with a recipe this simple, quality really shines through.
Finally, don’t over-stir. Around 25–30 seconds is just right for the ice to melt slightly and blend everything together. Too long, and your drink can taste watery. Too short, and it won’t reach that icy-cold smoothness martinis are known for.
The beauty of this recipe is that once you’ve made it a few times, you’ll know by feel when it’s perfect.
What Goes Well With It
A martini is one of those rare drinks that complements both food and conversation. For appetizers, it pairs beautifully with salty bites, think stuffed olives, roasted nuts, or a simple cheese board with sharp cheddar and briny pickles. The crisp gin cuts through the richness perfectly.
For dinner, serve it with seafood dishes like shrimp cocktail, smoked salmon crostini, or seared scallops. The clean flavor of the martini enhances delicate proteins without overpowering them. If you’re planning a cozy evening in, it’s lovely with a bowl of roasted almonds and a good book.
And for a little indulgence, enjoy a martini with dessert, yes, really. Try it alongside a piece of dark chocolate or a lemon tart. The bitterness of the chocolate or the citrusy tang of the tart balances the martini’s herbal notes in a surprisingly delightful way.
Nutrition & Health Benefits
While a martini isn’t exactly a health drink, it has its small perks when enjoyed in moderation. Gin, for instance, is flavored with juniper berries, which are rich in antioxidants and known for their natural anti-inflammatory properties.
That subtle herbal complexity is part of what makes gin so refreshing.
Vermouth, the fortified wine used in martinis, also brings trace antioxidants from the herbs and botanicals it’s infused with. Plus, when you make your martini at home, you control the portions, no mystery pours or sugary mixers here.
For those mindful of calories, this easy martini recipe comes in around 180 calories per serving, much lighter than creamy cocktails or fruity mixed drinks. It’s simple, low-sugar, and satisfying in small quantities. That’s part of its enduring appeal: pure flavor, minimal fuss.
How to Store & Reheat
While martinis are best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare a small batch ahead if you’re hosting. Mix the gin and vermouth, then store the blend in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Stir over ice and strain into glasses when ready to serve.
Avoid freezing, as it can dull the aromatics of both the gin and vermouth. However, you can chill your ingredients, keep your gin in the freezer and your vermouth in the fridge so they’re always cocktail-ready.
If you ever find your martini too warm after sitting out, a few ice cubes and a quick stir in a mixing glass will refresh it perfectly. Just strain out the ice before serving again. Simple, elegant, and always ready to impress.
Closing Personal Touch
Making martinis at home has become one of my little Friday rituals. I light a candle, play my favorite playlist, and take those two quiet minutes to stir, pour, and garnish.
There’s something meditative about it, the clink of ice, the smooth swirl of the liquid, the citrus aroma from the lemon twist. It feels like self-care in a glass.
Over the years, I’ve made this recipe for celebrations big and small, holiday dinners, summer evenings on the porch, even just a toast to making it through a long week. Every time, it delivers that same sense of calm and class.
If you’ve never tried making a martini yourself, start here. It’s easier than you think, endlessly customizable, and so rewarding.
Once you master this foolproof martini recipe, you’ll never need to order one out again, you’ll be your own favorite bartender.
