Cocktails & Drinks

Classic Gin Martini

Name: Classic Gin Martini
Prep time: 3 min
Total time: 3 min
Yield: 1 cocktails
Cuisine: International
Ingredients: 5 part Dry Gin; 1 part Dry Vermouth; Ice; Lemon Peel (for garnish); Green Olives (for garnish)

A timeless gin cocktail stirred with dry vermouth and garnished with lemon peel or olives. Simple, sophisticated, and ready in 30 seconds.

By Ricky Robinson • Updated August 11, 2023

This cocktail is a true classic, one of the most famous out there. It takes just a few ingredients and about 30 seconds to stir up properly. No shaking here, despite what Mr Bond might suggest. The martini is all about restraint and elegance, and the method matters as much as what goes into the glass.

If you fancy olives as a garnish, stick with an odd number. One is fine, three if you want to be a bit more generous, but never two. It's a small tradition that adds to the ritual of the drink.

The beauty of a classic martini is in its simplicity—just gin, vermouth, and ice stirred until everything is seriously cold.

Start by chilling your martini glasses in the fridge to keep the drink as cold as possible. When you combine the gin and vermouth over ice, stir gently with a mixing spoon for about 30 seconds. You're not trying to aerate it like a shaken drink; you're simply cooling everything down and gently blending the flavours.

The ratio of gin to vermouth is a matter of personal taste, but the classic five-to-one proportion gives you enough vermouth to add a herbal, slightly bitter edge without overwhelming the botanical character of the gin. If you prefer a drier martini, you can reduce the vermouth even further, though it should never disappear entirely or you're just drinking cold gin.

The garnish changes the drink more than you might expect. A twist of lemon peel releases citrus oils that brighten the flavour and add a touch of sharpness. Olives, on the other hand, bring a savoury, briny quality that suits those who like their martinis with a bit more weight. Either way, the garnish becomes part of the experience, not just decoration.

This is a drink that rewards attention to detail. Use good-quality gin, keep everything cold, and don't rush the stirring. The result is clean, crisp, and perfectly balanced—a drink that's stood the test of time for good reason.