Vodka Martini

Also known as the Vodkatini, the Vodka Martini is a classic vodka cocktail and a variation on the original gin-based Martini, made with vodka and dry vermouth, stirred with ice and strained into a chilled martini glass, garnished with a lemon twist and a green olive.

Like all traditional Martinis, the Vodka Martini is spirit-forward – clean, smooth vodka with the herbal, dry character of vermouth running quietly underneath. A hint of citrus from the lemon zest and a briny, salty note from the olive complete the picture.

Served ice cold, it’s a drink of elegance and confidence.

The exact origin of the original gin-based martini is unclear, let alone the Vodka Martini. Whatever its origins, we do know that the martini has evolved considerably over time. 

Long story short, by 1922, the Martini had evolved into its classic form: a 2:1 ratio of London Dry Gin to Dry Vermouth, stirred with ice in a mixing glass. The standard garnish became either a green olive or a lemon peel twist over time.

The exact history of the Vodka Martini is, however, unknown. We do know that its first print appearance was in 1935. In recent decades, gin has even been replaced by Vodka as the preferred choice of spirit for a martini. 

One of the earliest references to a Vodka Martini dates back to the 1930s, where it was known as a “Kangaroo Cocktail”, as it was reportedly a favorite of the Australian ambassador to the United States.

The “Vodkatini” became increasingly popular during the 1980s thanks to everyone’s favorite fictional British spy, known for his sharp suits, love of Martinis, and thrilling espionage adventures.

• Chill your vodka and glassware
  For the best Vodka Martini, chill both the vodka and the martini glass overnight. Freezing the vodka thickens its viscosity slightly, giving it a smoother, silkier texture when poured. A cold glass keeps the drink colder for longer and with a Vodka Martini, temperature is everything.
• Stir to your preference
  Stir the Vodka Martini until you achieve the right temperature and dilution…and that’s entirely down to personal taste. A shorter stir gives a colder, less diluted drink with a more pronounced vodka character. A longer stir softens the edges and integrates the vermouth more fully. There’s no right answer – only your preference.
• Choose the right olives
  The olive is more than a garnish – its briny, salty character is part of the drink’s flavor profile. Spanish queen olives or Spanish manzanilla olives are the classic choice, both bold enough to hold their own against the vodka and vermouth.

•  Gibson Martini
  Instead of the traditional lemon twist and green olive, place a pickled onion in your drink and you’ve got a delicious Gibson Martini. A Gibson Martini offers a crisp, dry flavor with a tangy, briny twist from the onion. Check out the recipe for a Gibson Martini.

• Dry Martini
  The classic Gin-based Dry Martini…perfected. Learn how to make a classic Dry Martini.
• Espresso Martini
  Arguably the most popular and most beloved Martini variation of them all. The Espresso Martini does not contain gin nor vermouth but instead is made of Vodka, Espresso and Kahlúa (coffee liqueur), which are elegantly combined to create an after-dinner cocktail like no other. Let us show you how to make the perfect Espresso Martini.
• Lemon Drop Martini
  Another popular vodka-based Martini variant. A Lemon Drop Martini consists of Absolut Citron (lemon-flavored vodka), freshly squeezed lemon juice, triple sec, simple syrup, and lemon zest. The Lemon Drop Martini is known for its fresh and tangy flavor profile.
  
  The combination of Absolut Citron and freshly squeezed lemon juice creates a bright and zesty base. The triple sec adds a hint of sweetness while the lemon zest provides an aromatic finish, making it a perfect blend of sweet and sour. Here’s our Lemon Drop Martini recipe.

• Lemon twist or olive – your call
  The two classic Vodka Martini garnishes and most bars will ask which you prefer. Rico’s choice is a lemon twist: peel a strip of lemon zest, squeeze it over the glass to release the oils and drop it in. For olives, skewer three green ones on a cocktail stick – particularly popular for vodka-based Martinis and a more assertive, briny finish.
• Vodka Martini Batch
  The Vodka Martini is easier to batch than you might think and a great option when you’re hosting. Here’s how:

1. Pour 200ml of Absolut Vodka into a jar and set aside. Add 200ml of dry vermouth to the remaining vodka in the bottle.
2. Refrigerate overnight until thoroughly chilled.
3. When ready to serve, measure 50ml into a mixing glass.
4. Add ice cubes and stir with a bar spoon until cold.
5. Place a julep strainer over the mixing glass and strain into chilled martini glasses.
6. Garnish each glass with a strip of lemon zest and a single green olive.