Best Dry Martini Recipe

Introduction

Best Dry Martini Recipe is the ultimate expression of elegance—clean, crisp, and perfectly balanced. Made with quality gin (or vodka) and just a whisper of dry vermouth, this iconic cocktail is all about precision and restraint. Chilled to perfection and finished with a lemon twist or olive, the dry martini is timeless, sophisticated, and endlessly debated. When done right, it’s sharp, refreshing, and unmistakably classic.

Why you’ll love this recipe

• Iconic, timeless cocktail
• Clean and crisp flavor profile
• Only two main ingredients
• Ready in under 5 minutes
• Customizable to your preferred dryness

Ingredients (1 cocktail)

• 2½ oz gin (or vodka)
• ½ oz dry vermouth (adjust to taste)

• Ice

Garnish (choose one)

• Lemon twist
• Green olives

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing glass or a cocktail shaker
• Bar spoon
• Jigger
• Strainer

• Chilled martini or coupe glass

Step-by-step process (detailed)

1. Chill the glass

Place a martini or coupe glass in the freezer for 10–15 minutes, or fill it with ice water while you prepare the drink. A properly chilled glass is essential for a dry martini.

2. Fill with ice

Fill a mixing glass or shaker completely with ice. More ice keeps the drink colder and controls dilution.

3. Add vermouth

Pour dry vermouth over the ice first. This lightly coats the ice and ensures even distribution without overpowering the cocktail.

4. Add the gin

Add the gin (or vodka) to the mixing glass. Use high-quality spirits—this drink relies on clean, pure flavor.

5. Stir, don’t shake

Stir gently for 25–30 seconds until thoroughly chilled. Stirring preserves clarity and silky texture, which defines a proper dry martini.

6. Strain into a glass

Discard ice from the chilled glass if using ice water. Strain the martini into the cold glass, leaving ice behind.

7. Garnish correctly

For a lemon twist, express the oils over the drink and rub the peel around the rim before dropping it in or discarding it. For olives, skewer 1–3 olives and place gently in the glass.

8. Serve immediately

Serve ice-cold and enjoy right away for peak flavor and balance.

Mistakes to avoid

• Overusing vermouth masks gin flavor
• Shaking instead of stirring — cloudy texture
• Warm glassware — dull cocktail
• Low-quality spirits — harsh finish

• Over-dilution — weak martini

Variations of the Best Dry Martini Recipe

• Extra Dry — reduce vermouth to a rinse only
• 50/50 Martini — equal parts gin and vermouth
• Dirty Martini — add ½ oz olive brine
• Vodka Martini — swap gin for vodka

• Gibson — garnish with a cocktail onion

Tips for better storage & make-ahead

• Chill the gin and vermouth in advance
• Batch martinis (without garnish) and refrigerate up to 24 hours
• Store vermouth refrigerated after opening

• Always garnish fresh

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes a martini “dry”?
Less vermouth relative to gin.

Gin or vodka?
Gin is traditional; vodka is smoother and more neutral.

How many olives are correct?
Traditionally, 1 or 3—never 2.

Should it be shaken or stirred?
Stirred for clarity and proper texture.

Conclusion

Best Dry Martini Recipe is a masterclass in simplicity—just gin, vermouth, and technique. Crisp, cold, and unapologetically refined, it’s a cocktail that rewards attention to detail and quality ingredients. Once you dial in your preferred ratio, the dry martini becomes not just a drink, but a signature.