Shaken or Stirred? The Perfect Dry Martini Recipe

The Martini is one of the most iconic cocktails in the world. Throughout history, it has been firmly cemented in Western cultures via the words of great writers like Ernest Hemingway and Ian Fleming. Over the hundreds of years that it’s been served up at bars its popularity has rarely waned, and today it’s still one of the first drinks any bartender learns how to fix. So, whether you like yours shaken or stirred, it’s only right you get to grips with the perfect Martini. 

What is a Martini? 

Classy, sophisticated, and oh-so-cool, the Martini is a fairly simple cocktail that balances the flavours of different spirits perfectly. Fresh and clean, it’s a far more delicate drink than many expect. With the tough James Bond always ordering one when eyeing up targets in busy bars, many think it’s going to be a dark drink with plenty of oomph, like an Old Fashioned. But it’s actually far more subtle, with harmonious notes lingering gently on the tongue.

The Perfect Dry Martini

There isn’t a perfect ratio for the dry martini. Instead, you can play around with measures to suit different palettes until you find the perfect blend to tantalize your taste buds. That said, it’s generally a good idea to start with a 5:1 ratio of dry gin to dry vermouth. This is the most pleasing combination for a variety of palettes, though many people prefer a dry martini with a larger splash of gin.

It’s said that Hemingway preferred a 15:1 ratio, known as a Montgomery Martini, whilst Churchill thought that having vermouth in the presence of a Martini was enough. In other words, the drier the Martini, the more famous you’re likely to become!

Get the Temperature Right

Some drinks can be palatable both warm and cold. The Dry Martini is not one of these. When fixing yours, be sure to use a frozen glass to chill the gin, and always keep your Vermouth chilled in the fridge. Speaking of glasses, a Dry Martini should always be served in a crystal Martini glass, preferably inspired by an old-school design like this 1920s Martini Cocktail Glass.

Garnishing a Dry Martini

The traditional extra for a Dry Martini is, of course, a green olive stuffed with pimento - three, to be exact. The hit of salt pairs perfectly with the spirits, slightly altering the flavour of the drink. If olives aren’t your thing, try a twist of lemon peel instead for a citrusy kick to lift your Martini.

Learn More About Mixology

At UrbanBar, we mix more than Martinis! Our team are experts in the art of cocktail creation, and you can join them with our Educational Spirit Courses. All online, you can learn the art of mixology from your home, impressing guests with perfectly poured drinks served just as they should be.

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