June 19th is National Martini Day — what better way to celebrate than with the very best Classic Martini.
What Makes a Classic Martini?
Martinis can be made with either gin or vodka, but it’s gin that defines the true classic. More specifically, it should be London Dry gin. This designation ensures the base spirit is distilled to at least 96% ABV and that all botanicals—including juniper—are added during the distillation process, using only natural ingredients. The resulting spirit is then diluted to a lower proof. While many gins today add flavorings after distillation, only those that follow the strict production method may bear the label “London Dry.”
Though it’s become common to refer to any chilled gin or vodka served in a cocktail glass as a martini, the classic version includes dry vermouth. Vermouth isn’t just filler—it tempers the spirit, rounds out its sharpness, and allows you to enjoy more than one without remorse.
Just as important: a true martini must be stirred, not shaken. Shaking clouds the drink and can “bruise” the gin, altering its taste. A gentle stir maintains clarity and character. Garnish with a lemon twist or an olive—anything else, and you’re making a different drink entirely.
Curious about the martini’s origins? Read more about its history and legends HERE.
Let’s Make the Best
Start with a chilled crystal cocktail glass—one that’s been resting in your freezer. It keeps your drink colder for longer, letting you enjoy every sip. Your gin should also reside in that freezer so it will pour like syrup. I prefer Bombay Sapphire, though Tanqueray #3 and Beefeater are excellent choices.
Pair it with a quality dry vermouth like Noilly Prat, and be sure to store your vermouth in the refrigerator. This not only keeps your martini cold, it preserves the vermouth’s delicate flavor.
Garnish with large Napa Valley olives—bonus points if they’re stuffed with premium blue cheese.
Or…
If you get the chance, try a Tomolive—a tiny, pickled green tomato that’s a quirky but delicious alternative to the classic olive. Print
Classic Martini
Classic combination of London Dry gin and dry vermouth garnished with an olive or lemon peel
- Yield: 1 1x
Ingredients
- 1 – 1/4 oz dry vermouth – refrigerated
- 2 – 1/2 oz London dry gin – kept in freezer
- Blue cheese stuffed olive on a pic
Instructions
- Add ice cubes to a mixing glass
- Add 1/4 oz vermouth and swirl the glass to coat the ice, then strain it out, keeping the seasoned ice
- Add the remaining vermouth followed by the gin
- Stir slowly to avoid aerating your drink, making 30-40 revolutions to give it time to mix and chill properly
- Let it rest while you spear your olive with a pic and retrieve your glass from the freezer
- Strain and pour, add the blue cheese olive, admire and enjoy!