The Perfect Martini Recipe
A perfect martini is a classic cocktail that's known for its simplicity and elegance. It's a drink that allows the quality of the ingredients to shine through. Here's a classic martini recipe, both "dry" and "wet," so you can choose your preferred level of vermouth.
Ingredients:
2 1/2 oz (75 ml) gin or vodka
1/2 oz (15 ml) dry vermouth (for a "dry" martini) or sweet vermouth (for a "wet" martini)
Ice cubes
Lemon twist or olive for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Chill Your Glass: Place a martini glass in the freezer for at least 10-15 minutes before making the martini. A chilled glass keeps the martini cold from the first sip.
Chill Your Spirits: In a mixing glass or cocktail shaker, fill it with ice cubes. Pour the gin or vodka over the ice.
Add Vermouth: For a "dry" martini, add the dry vermouth to the gin or vodka. For a "wet" martini, use sweet vermouth. You can adjust the amount of vermouth to your taste, but 1/2 oz is a classic ratio that gives a balanced flavor.
Stir or Shake: You can stir the ingredients or shake them, depending on your preference. Stirring tends to create a smoother, clearer martini, while shaking gives it a bit more aeration and a cloudy appearance. If you choose to shake, shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds.
Strain: Using a cocktail strainer, strain the martini into the chilled martini glass. This will remove any ice chips or small ice shards from the drink.
Garnish: If desired, garnish your martini with a lemon twist (for a subtle citrus aroma) or an olive (for a classic touch). You can also skip the garnish altogether if you prefer a clean look.
Serve Immediately: A martini is best enjoyed ice-cold, so serve it right away. Sip slowly and savor the flavors.
Tips:
The choice between gin and vodka is a matter of personal preference. Gin imparts more botanical and herbal flavors, while vodka provides a cleaner, neutral base.
Use high-quality gin or vodka for the best results, as the quality of the spirit greatly influences the taste of your martini.
Experiment with the amount of vermouth to find your preferred level of dryness or sweetness.
You can also try different garnishes, such as a cocktail onion (for a Gibson) or a twist of orange peel, to vary the martini's flavor profile.
Remember, the perfect martini is a matter of personal taste, so don't be afraid to adjust the ratios and garnishes until you find the martini that's perfect for you. Cheers!