Shaken or stirred, a vodka martini is one of the most recognizable cocktails in the world. This debonair drink immediately evokes hints of intrigue and adventure wrapped up in a delicate package. But unlike James Bond, you don't have to put your life on the line to have a sip of this classy cocktail.
How to Make a Vodka Martini
Martinis are one of the easiest cocktails for amateur mixologists to make because you only need to combine and stir a handful of ingredients. Whether you're just a James Bond fan and want the whole experience or you wish to broaden your cocktail repertoire, this smooth vodka martini recipe will blow you away.
Ingredients
- 2½ ounces vodka
- ½ ounce dry vermouth
- Ice
- Skewered olives for garnish
Instructions
- Chill a martini glass or coupe.
- In a mixing glass, add ice, vodka, and dry vermouth.
- Stir rapidly to chill.
- Strain into chilled glass.
- Garnish with skewered olives.
Quick Tip
Flip your drink into a dirty martini by adding ½ ounce of olive brine.
Related: How to Make the Perfect Marini
4 Variations and Substitutions to Try
The vodka martini is practically perfect on its own, but there are still a few ways you can dress it up.
- Add a dash or two of orange bitters.
- Experiment with the vodka and dry vermouth proportions, increasing and decreasing the amounts while maintaining a 3-ounce total pour.
- Use different vodka brands to find the one that's best for you. Distilling processes can change the profile and taste, ultimately altering the martini's overall profile.
- Vary the base flavors by using infused vodkas.
Dress Up Your Vodka Martini With These Garnishes
While it's hard to improve on perfection, the vodka martini is always ready for a makeover. Shake things up with one of these fun garnishes.
- Instead of regular olives, consider blue cheese-stuffed olives.
- For a slight tart citrus note, use a lemon peel or wheel.
- If you want a more refreshing citrus note, consider an orange peel or wheel.
- A dehydrated citrus wheel, like a lemon, orange, or lime adds a fashionable touch.
- Transform it into a gibson by adding a cocktail onion.
Shaken, Stirred, Gone
While modern cocktail-making loves the flashy stuff, you can't go wrong with the basics. Master the perfect vodka martini and you've got a trick up your sleeve that'll impress just about anyone who walks through the door.
