The Dry Martini: A Classic Cocktail
The Dry Martini is a classic cocktail that has been enjoyed for generations. It originated in the late 1800s, when it was served at upscale bars and clubs as an aperitif to stimulate the appetite before dinner. The original recipe used gin, vermouth, orange bitters, and an olive or lemon twist as garnish.
Today’s version of the Dry Martini is typically made with London dry gin and dry vermouth in equal parts. Some modern versions also use vodka instead of gin. No matter which spirit you choose, the key to making a great martini is using quality ingredients and stirring it carefully so that it remains cold while mixing.
In recent years, bartenders have begun experimenting with different types of garnishes such as olives stuffed with blue cheese or even bacon-wrapped dates! There are endless possibilities for customizing your own perfect martini – just remember to stick to the basics for a truly timeless classic.
Dry Martini
Ingredients
- Ingredients:
- - 2.5 ounces gin
- - 0.75 ounce dry vermouth
- - 1 dash orange bitters optional
- - Ice cubes for shaking and serving
- - Lemon twist or olive for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Fill a shaker with ice cubes. Add the gin, vermouth and bitters to the shaker and stir until well combined and chilled throughout.
- Strain into a martini glass that has been chilled in the freezer beforehand. Garnish with a lemon twist or olives if desired before enjoying responsibly!
Glassware
The typical or usual glassware used for making a Dry Martini is a martini glass. A martini glass is a stemmed, cone-shaped cocktail glass that holds approximately 5 to 8 ounces of liquid and features an angled rim. This type of glass is designed specifically for the Dry Martini, as it helps to keep the cold temperature of the drink while also allowing plenty of room for stirring and shaking ingredients together. Additionally, these glasses are often visually appealing, which makes them perfect for serving as part of a classy evening out or at home with friends.Flavors
A Dry Martini is a classic cocktail with a flavor profile that has stood the test of time. The smooth blend of gin and dry vermouth creates an unmistakable taste that can be enjoyed neat or on the rocks. Gin brings its own unique set of botanical flavors to the drink, while vermouth adds herbal notes and a hint of sweetness. A few dashes of orange bitters helps round out the flavor profile, adding subtle citrusy notes.
The garnish also plays an important role in shaping the flavor profile of a Dry Martini. Olives add salty and savory tones while lemon peel adds brightness – both complementing and enhancing the gin-vermouth mix below. All these aspects combine to create a timeless, sophisticated cocktail perfect for any occasion.
3 tips for Making Your Dry Martini
- When selecting gin for your martini, opt for a high-quality brand like Bombay Sapphire or Hendricks as they will provide the best flavor and complexity.
- Make sure to chill both your shaker and martini glass prior to making your drink; this will ensure that the drink is nicely chilled and not watered down when served.
- If you prefer sweeter drinks, add an additional splash of vermouth or replace it with orange liqueur; this will give the cocktail more sweetness without being too overpowering.