DRY MARTINI COCKTAIL RECIPE

WRITTEN BY: SCOTT VAN DORT

The Dry Martini stands as a timeless icon of elegance and sophistication in the world of cocktails. Revered for its simplicity and celebrated for its refined taste, a classic Dry Martini is composed of Gin and a hint of Dry Vermouth, garnished with a Lemon Zest Twist or a Green Olive.

Its crisp, clean flavor has made it a favorite among discerning drinkers and a symbol of suave sophistication. Whether sipped at a glamorous soirée or a quiet evening at home, the Dry Martini exudes an air refinement.

So, what makes the perfect Dry Martini? Personal preference. Yes, a Dry Martini is very much a personal drink. “If you want more Vermouth in your Martini that’s fine, it’s still a Martini. You like your Martini how you like your Martini,” says Ricardo ‘Rico’ Dynan – Bartender and Absolut Global Brand Ambassador.

How To Make a Dry Martini

What You’ll Need

• Jigger 
• Mixing Glass
• Bar Spoon
• Peeler 
• Julep Strainer
• Martini Glass

How to Mix

1. Measure and pour Dry Vermouth into a Mixing Glass. 
2. Measure and pour Gin.
3. Fill the Mixing Glass with Ice Cubes
4. Use a Bar Spoon and stir until chilled.
5. Place a Julep Strainer over the Mixing Glass then pour the mixture into a Martini Glass.
6. Garnish with a Lemon Zest Twist. Use a Peeler to remove a strip of Lemon Zest, twist it over your drink to release the oils, and place it in your Glass.
7. Sip and enjoy!

Serving and Garnish Ideas for a Dry Martini

A Dry Martini is typically garnished with a Lemon Zest Twist or a Green Olive.

Rico’s personal favorite garnish for a Dry Martini is Lemon Zest. “I love Lemon Zest because you get those fresh, fresh aromas – (it’s) super zesty,” he says.

Use a Peeler to carefully remove a strip of Lemon Peel, avoiding the bitter white pith. Hold the Peel over your drink and gently twist it to release the aromatic oils before placing the Zest Twist into your Glass for a burst of Citrus flavor.

The History of the Dry Martini

The exact origin of the Martini is unclear, but several theories suggest it originated in either Martinez or San Francisco, California, during the 1800s Gold Rush.

It’s believed that the Martini took on its recognizable form in the 1890s, combining London Dry Gin and Dry Vermouth at a 2:1 ratio. Just like today, the mixture was stirred in a Mixing Glass with Ice Cubes, but was also optionally enhanced with Orange or Aromatic Bitters, before being strained into a chilled Cocktail Glass.

Depending on your preference, a classic Dry Martini can be made with either Gin or Vodka although the original Martini was made with Gin.

Tips for Making the Perfect Dry Martini

• The perfect dilution
  When stirring the mixture in your Mixing Glass, Rico advises to “Stir until perfectly cold and perfectly diluted”. How do you know when it’s perfectly diluted? Give it a little taste on a Bar Spoon and if you like what you taste, then it’s the perfect dilution for you.

• Chill your Martini Glass
  A well-chilled glass is a simple yet essential step in crafting the perfect Dry Martini, so be sure to chill your glassware in advance.

Variations of a Dry Martini

A classic Martini is made with Gin (or Vodka) and Vermouth. Any additional ingredients, such as Bitters, are used sparingly to add just a hint of flavor. So, with this in mind, we offer three variations of a Dry Martini:

• Vodka Martini
  Although Gin was used to make the first Martini and remains a popular choice today, Vodka has since become the preferred spirit for this classic cocktail. Learn how to make a Vodka Martini.
• Dirty Martini
  If you love salty, savory flavors then the Dirty Martini is for you. The Dirty Martini is one of the most loved savory cocktails in the world. Similar to a Dry Martini but with the inclusion of Olive Brine and instead of Lemon Zest, it’s garnished with an Olive. Discover our Dirty Martini recipe.
• Gibson Martini
  The Gibson Martini is the same as a Dry Martini but substitutes the Lemon Zest garnish with a Cocktail Onion. Here’s how to make a Gibson Martini.