Vodka Martini Cocktail
A Vodka Martini combines vodka and dry vermouth and is typically garnished with a lemon twist or olive. This cocktail is quite easy to make as long as you have the right equipment. The equipment you need depends on whether you want a shaken or a stirred Martini. Traditionally, Martinis are stirred rather than shaken. If you’re opting for the traditional stirred method, a mixing glass and bar spoon are needed.
If, like James Bond, you prefer your Vodka Martini cocktail “shaken not stirred”, then you’ll need a cocktail shaker. In both cases, you’ll need a Hawthorne or Julep strainer to ensure your Vodka Martini is smooth and clear. Here’s how to make a Vodka Martini cocktail.
Vodka Martini Cocktail Recipe
1
servings5
minutesA Vodka Martini combines vodka and dry vermouth and is typically garnished with a lemon twist or olive.
Ingredients
2 oz Vodka
0.5 oz Dry Vermouth
Lemon Twist / Olive Garnish
Directions
- Vodka Martini – Stirred
- Place a Martini glass in the freezer for 15 minutes to chill.
- Fill a mixing glass with ice and add 2 oz vodka and 0.5 oz dry vermouth.
- Stir gently for 30 seconds to chill and dilute the drink.
- Using a Hawthorne or Julep strainer, strain the contents of the mixing glass into the chilled martini glass.
- Garnish with a lemon twist by expressing the oils over the drink and dropping it in, or with an olive.
- Vodka Martini – Shaken
- Place a Martini glass in the freezer for 15 minutes to chill.
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add 2 oz vodka and 0.5 oz dry vermouth.
- Seal the shaker and shake vigorously for 15 seconds.
- Using a Hawthorne or Julep strainer, strain the contents of the shaker into the chilled martini glass.
- Garnish with a lemon twist by expressing the oils over the drink and dropping it in, or with an olive.
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Making A Vodka Martini Cocktail: Pro Tips
Although this cocktail only has two ingredients, you’ll be surprised how many people mess this cocktail up. Here are some pro tips to help you ensure your Vodka Martini is of bartender quality every time.
Use High-Quality Vodka And Fresh Vermouth
As the Vodka Martini is a minimalist cocktail, each ingredient stands out. Therefore, investing in high-quality Vodka is essential. Equally crucial is using fresh vermouth. Since vermouth is a fortified wine, it should be stored in the fridge once opened. Although vermouth can last in the fridge for over a month and still be okay to drink, it’s always best to use it while it’s freshest. Pairing high-quality vodka with fresh vermouth will ensure your Vodka Martini is smooth every time.
Ensure Proper Dilution
When you are stirring or shaking your Vodka Martini, not only are you chilling the drink, you are also diluting it, too. A perfectly diluted Martini has a silky mouthfeel that’s neither too strong nor too watery. To ensure this, pay attention to the time: for stirring, a good 30 seconds with a bar spoon should suffice, and for shaking, 10-15 seconds is best.
Express Your Lemon Garnish
In the recipe above, we mentioned you should “Garnish with a lemon twist by expressing the oils over the drink and dropping it in.” This may seem like a small detail, but it is essential as it gives your Vodka Martini an aromatic lift, heightening the sensory experience of each sip.
By ‘express’ we mean squeezing or twisting the citrus peel over the drink so that the essential oils spray onto the surface, adding both aroma and subtle flavor. If you’re opting to garnish with olives, then add a drop or two of olive brine to make a ‘Dirty Martini’.
Cocktails Like The Vodka Martini
Lemon Drop Martini Recipe
Difficulty: EasyA Lemon Drop Martini is a citrusy cocktail made from vodka, fresh lemon juice, triple sec, and a touch of sugar, often served in a sugar-rimmed glass.
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Kamikaze Cocktail Recipe
Difficulty: EasyA Kamikaze Cocktail consists of vodka, triple sec, and lime juice.
Vodka Tonic Recipe
Difficulty: EasyA Vodka Tonic is made with vodka, tonic water, and garnished with a lime or lemon wedge.
Vesper Cocktail Recipe
Difficulty: EasyA Vesper cocktail is a potent blend of gin, vodka, and Lillet Blanc, garnished with a lemon twist.
