Perfect Classic Vodka Martini — Stirred or Shaken

How to Make Perfect Classic Vodka Martini — Stirred or Shaken

1. 1

   Step 1: Chill glass and prep garnishes

   Place two martini or coupe glasses in the freezer for at least 5 minutes or fill them with ice water while you prepare—cold glass keeps the cocktail crisp. If using a lemon twist, cut two long strips of peel, trying to avoid white pith; if using olives, skewer two per glass.
2. 2

   Step 2: Measure vodka and vermouth

   Pour 6 fl oz (177 ml) vodka and 1 fl oz (29.6 ml) dry vermouth into a mixing glass or cocktail shaker. This 6:1 ratio gives a clean, vodka-forward martini; adjust vermouth by 0.25–0.5 oz per glass if you prefer wetter or drier.

   For this step

   • 6 fl ozGood-quality vodka
   • 1 fl ozDry vermouth (preferably French or Italian)
   
3. 3

   Step 3: Add bitters (optional) and ice, then chill

   Add 2 dashes of orange bitters if desired, then fill the mixing glass or shaker with plenty of ice. For a classic, clear martini stir with a long bar spoon for 30–45 seconds until well-chilled and slightly diluted; to shake (colder and slightly cloudy), seal the shaker and shake vigorously for 10–12 seconds.

   For this step

   • 1 1/2 cupsIce (large cubes)
   • 2 dashOrange bitters (optional)
   
4. 4

   Step 4: Strain into chilled glasses

   Discard ice or water from the chilled glasses and double-strain the cocktail into each glass using a hawthorne or fine mesh strainer to remove tiny shards of ice (especially important if shaken). The drink should be very cold and silky in texture.
   
5. 5

   Step 5: Garnish and serve

   For a savory martini, drop two skewered olives into each glass; for a brighter profile, express a lemon twist over the surface, rub it on the rim, and drop it in. Serve immediately and enjoy—sip slowly to appreciate the balance and chill.

   For this step

   • 4 piecesLarge green olives, pitted (garnish option)
   • 2 piecesLemon peel, 2 long twists (garnish option)
   

1. Place two martini or coupe glasses in the freezer for at least 5 minutes or fill them with ice water while you prepare—cold glass keeps the cocktail crisp. If using a lemon twist, cut two long strips of peel, trying to avoid white pith; if using olives, skewer two per glass.
2. Pour 6 fl oz (177 ml) vodka and 1 fl oz (29.6 ml) dry vermouth into a mixing glass or cocktail shaker. This 6:1 ratio gives a clean, vodka-forward martini; adjust vermouth by 0.25–0.5 oz per glass if you prefer wetter or drier.
3. Add 2 dashes of orange bitters if desired, then fill the mixing glass or shaker with plenty of ice. For a classic, clear martini stir with a long bar spoon for 30–45 seconds until well-chilled and slightly diluted; to shake (colder and slightly cloudy), seal the shaker and shake vigorously for 10–12 seconds.
4. Discard ice or water from the chilled glasses and double-strain the cocktail into each glass using a hawthorne or fine mesh strainer to remove tiny shards of ice (especially important if shaken). The drink should be very cold and silky in texture.
5. For a savory martini, drop two skewered olives into each glass; for a brighter profile, express a lemon twist over the surface, rub it on the rim, and drop it in. Serve immediately and enjoy—sip slowly to appreciate the balance and chill.