Fitness / July 21, 2023

How to Make a Dry Martini Cocktail

Whip up some classy vibes with this timeless Dry Martini recipe, a toast to sophistication and simplicity!

How to Make a Dry Martini Cocktail side shot

Table of Contents

Alright my friends, let’s discuss martinis, and not just any martini, but the oh-so-famous Dry Martini. In my opinion, this cocktail is the ultimate symbol of cool, straight out of a smoky jazz club. For our movie junkies, it’s more importantly total James Bond territory. I’ve tried so many cocktails and shared them with you on this blog. The dry martini has a pretty special spot on my list. You see, my very first date with my now-hubby was actually over these swanky drinks. He opted for the good old classic, while I jazzed mine up with a cheeky olive garnish. As we took in the romantic vibe and chatted away, it felt like everything fell into place.

Surely, this ain’t the first martini discussed on this blog – remember the velvety Espresso Martini or that pop of zesty Lemon Drop Martini? But if we’re chatting about the beauty in simplicity, the Dry Martini wins by a mile.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

The Gin Martini is simple and can be made with only two ingredients (though don’t misunderstand “simple” to mean “easy”; there are nuances to making a good martini).
A chilled martini is perfect for those hot days when you want something refreshing but don’t want an umbrella stuck into it.
Just because you don’t have the espionage skill set of James Bond doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy his drink of choice. (Note that Bond enjoys a Vesper Martini, a slightly different take on the martini we’re making here.)

INGREDIENTS

Just two alcoholic ingredients, their ratio is really up to you.

2 1/2 oz. gin
1/2 oz. dry vermouth
ice
green olive or lemon twist, for garnish

How to Make a Dry Martini Cocktail ingredients

Utensils Needed

A martini glass – also known as a cocktail glass
A mixing glass – you can also use the bottom part of a cocktail shaker if you prefer
A strainer (if not built in the shaker) – to pour the mixture from the shaker into the martini glass
A bar spoon – for stirring the mixture
A jigger – to measure the ingredients
A peeler or sharp knife – to create a lemon twist (Optional)
A toothpick – to skewer the olive garnish (Optional)

INSTRUCTIONS

Chill

Place the martini glass in the freezer for at least 10 minutes or fill it with ice and water while you prepare the cocktail. This will keep the drink cold later while you’re sipping.

Combine

Combine the gin and dry vermouth in a mixing glass or cocktail shaker. Add to the mixture a generous amount of ice cubes. Stir for about 30 seconds to properly chill and dilute the drink. Stirring instead of shaking will keep the martini clearer and less frothy.

Pour

Remove the ice from the chilled martini glass. Place a strainer over the mixing glass or cocktail shaker and pour the martini mixture into the glass. This will prevent any ice or residue from entering the glass.

Garnish

If you prefer a lemon twist, take a strip of lemon peel and twist it over the glass, allowing the oils to release into the drink. Rub the rim of the glass with the twist and drop it into the martini. Alternatively, you can garnish the martini with a green olive on a toothpick. (If you’re looking for something sweeter that also features a lemon twist, try this Bees Knees Cocktail!)

Tips and Tricks

Choose Your Ingredients Well: Picking the perfect gin and vermouth is super important when it comes to making a mouth-watering Dry Martini. Treat yourself to a top-notch brand, since a killer gin and an awesome dry vermouth are the foundation of an extraordinary cocktail.

Chill Your Martini Glass: Don’t forget to pop your glass in the freezer for at least 10 minutes before mixing – or you can fill it with ice and water to frost it up.

Stir, Don’t Shake: We’ve all seen James Bond shaking it up on the big screen, but in reality, a true Dry Martini is stirred, not shaken. Just give it a gentle swirl for around 30 seconds, and you’re all set!

Proper Garnish Matters: Whether you’re Team Lemon Twist or Team Green Olive, it’s all about nailing the placement for a fab finish. For lemon twists, cut a thin slice and twist it over the glass to release its lovely aroma. Run it around the rim and then drop it in. For olives, skewer one on a toothpick and let it rest on top of your cocktail. Presentation perfection!

Experiment with Ratios: Everybody’s taste is unique, so don’t be afraid to play with the classic 5:1 ratio of gin to dry vermouth. If you want a “wetter” Martini, add a bit more vermouth; for drier, toss in a little less. Just have fun experimenting until you’ve found your dream balance. Cheers, babe!

Variations

Low Carb Martini: Look for lower-calorie gin and vermouth options. You can also make it “dirty” by adding a dash of olive brine for some extra oomph without upping your carb intake.

Perfect Martini: This baby is all about balance. Just mix equal parts of dry and sweet vermouth (1/4 ounce each) with 2 1/2 ounces of gin. Garnish with either a lemon twist or green olive, and voilà! Perfection in a glass.

Dirty Martini: With a lil’ splash of olive brine, your regular Dry Martini becomes the famous Dirty Martini. It’s got that cloudy appearance and a flavor that’ll keep you coming back for more. Oh, and don’t forget those green olives on a toothpick. Yum!

Gibson: All you need to do here is swap out your regular garnish for a pickled cocktail onion. This simple change adds a tangy twist.

Espresso Martini: Combine vodka, coffee liqueur, and a shot of espresso. Shake it up with ice, strain into a chilled glass, and finish it off with a few coffee beans.

How to Make a Dry Martini Cocktail featured

FAQs

How many calories are in a Dry Martini?

A typical Dry Martini has 150-180 calories, which is not so high for a cocktail. Gin brings in most of those calories.

How should I drink my Dry Martini?

Sip it slowly and savor the taste. Make sure it’s served in a chilled martini glass, and drink it while it’s still cold.

what makes a dry martini “dry”?

A Dry Martini gets its name from the type of vermouth used in making the cocktail. Dry vermouth isn’t too sweet, giving the cocktail that signature crisp taste.

Can I substitute vodka for gin in a Dry Martini?

Swap out your gin for vodka to make a Vodkatini. It’s got a cleaner taste but is just as delish.

What glassware is appropriate for serving a Dry Martini?

The famous V-shaped martini glass is the go-to for serving up that Dry Martini. It looks amazing and helps keep your drink cold, so make sure to chill that glass before (see Tips & Tricks).

Why is stirring the preferred method over shaking for a Dry Martini?

Stirring gives your Martini that perfect clear look and velvety smoothness. Shaking can cause it to look cloudy and frothy. Funny how they never mention that in the Bond movies…

How to Store A Dry Martini

Making Your Dry Martini in Advance: I recommend a fresh Dry Martini, but you can mix your gin and vermouth together ahead of time. Just skip the ice and pour the blend into a sealed container or bottle. Pop it in the fridge, where it can chill for a few days. Note that it might lose some subtle flavors the longer it’s stored.

Storing and Serving a Pre-Made Dry Martini: Pour the mix from the fridge into a mixing glass or cocktail shaker filled with ice, and then give it a good stir for about 30 seconds. This will get it to the ideal chill and dilution. Then strain it into a chilled martini glass, add your garnish, and sip away!