CocktailRecipes

Martini Recipe + Ingredients & Tips

how to make a Martini recipe

📋 Nutrition Facts
Main Alcohol Gin
Alcohol 16%
Calories 163 calories
Fat 0g
Protein 0g
Carbohydrates 0.5g
Prep time 3 minutes

Imagine you’re at a party, and you want to impress your friends with a really cool drink. That’s where the Martini comes in. It’s a fancy cocktail that’s strong and has a little bit of a bitter taste because of something called vermouth. We’re going to explore all the secrets of this amazing drink, from its history to how to make it just right. Ready to become a Martini expert? Let’s dive in! ⬇️

History

The Martini is a classic cocktail that has been enjoyed for over a hundred years. It started as a simple mix of gin and vermouth, and over time it became a symbol of elegance. This drink has been a favorite for many famous people and has a special place in American culture.

  • The name “Martini” might have come from a bartender named Martini di Arma di Taggia who mixed it in New York in 1911.
  • Some people believe the Martini evolved from a cocktail called the Martinez served in the 1860s.
  • In the James Bond movies, the Martini became really famous with the catchphrase “shaken, not stirred.”

The taste of a Martini?

A Martini tastes very clean and a bit herbal. It’s a mix of strong alcohol and a touch of bitterness, which makes it really refreshing.

I personally love drinking Martinis because they’re super classy and make me feel like a movie star in an old film.

Interesting facts about Martini

  • Martinis used to be served with a twist of lemon peel or an olive for an extra kick of flavor.
  • The world’s largest Martini was made in 2018 and was over 1,300 gallons!
  • There’s even a National Martini Day celebrated every year on June 19th.

Ingredients

  • Gin: 2 oz (60ml)
  • Dry Vermouth: 1 oz (30ml)
  • Ice: Enough to fill the shaker
  • Lemon twist or Olive: For garnish

Martini glass is the best type to serve a Martini. The wide, open top helps you enjoy the aroma and coolness of the drink. As an alternative, a cocktail glass can also be suitable.

Recipe. How to make Martini

  1. Fill a shaker with ice.
  2. Add 2 oz of Gin and 1 oz of Dry Vermouth to the shaker.
  3. Stir well and strain into a chilled Martini glass.
  4. Garnish with a lemon twist or an olive.

Martini drinks can be strong and have lots of calories, but you can use less vermouth to make it healthier. The gin in a Martini doesn’t have sugar, which is good if you’re watching your sugar intake.

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Food Pairings

Pairing the right food with your Martini can make it taste even better. Here are some awesome matches that bring out the flavors in your drink.

Oysters

Oysters are great with a Martini because their saltiness goes really well with the crispness of the drink.

Almonds

Snacking on almonds while sipping a Martini can be super tasty because the nuts’ crunchiness and the drink’s smoothness are a perfect match.

Steak Tartare

The bold flavors of steak tartare complement the strong taste of a Martini, making them a fancy and delicious combo.

I really enjoy the taste of Martinis—they make me feel cool and grown-up, like I’m in a fancy restaurant.

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Bartender Advice

  • Chill your glass before pouring the Martini to keep it extra cold.
  • Experiment with the ratio of gin to vermouth to find your perfect taste.
  • Always use fresh ice to avoid watering down your drink.

Now that you’ve mastered the classic Martini, in the sections below we’ll shake things up by showing the customizable elements you can alter and introducing a range of exciting variations to try in your next concoction.

What you could change in Martini

  • Gin: Can be swapped for vodka if you prefer a smoother taste.
  • Vermouth: Try different brands or types for a unique twist.
  • Garnish: Go for a cocktail onion to make a Gibson, another type of Martini.

Martini Variations

Dirty Martini

  • Ingredients: Use Olive Brine for an extra savory taste.
  • Recipe: Mix Gin and Dry Vermouth with a splash of olive brine.

Espresso Martini

  • Ingredients: Add Vodka, Espresso, and Coffee Liqueur.
  • Recipe: Shake ingredients with ice and strain into a cocktail glass.

French Martini

  • Ingredients: Requires Vodka, Pineapple Juice, and Raspberry Liqueur.
  • Recipe: Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice and pour into a Martini glass.

For a non-alcoholic version, try a Virgin Martini. Mix apple juice with a splash of lemon juice and serve in a Martini glass garnished with an apple slice.

Q&A

Can you make a Martini without vermouth?

Sure! It’s called a “Dry Martini,” and it has less or no vermouth, but it’s not the same classic taste.

What’s the best way to mix a Martini, shaken or stirred?

Both ways are great! Shaking can make it colder and a bit diluted, while stirring keeps it stronger.

Is it okay to use cheap gin for a Martini?

You could, but a better-quality gin will make your Martini taste a lot nicer.

Can I make a Martini with something other than gin or vodka?

Yup! People use tequila or rum sometimes, but then it’s not really a Martini anymore.

How many calories are in a Martini?

A typical Martini has around 200 calories, but it can change depending on the ingredients.

What are some good snacks to have with a Martini?

Olives, cheese, and crackers are all awesome because they’re not too heavy and they taste good with the drink.

Chris Glazer
Chris Glazer
Chris Glazer is a seasoned mixology and cocktail recipe writer at CocktailPlans.com. Chris has a deep passion for cocktail creation and mixology, and has been exploring and writing about the world of drinks for over 5 years.
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