How to make a Vodka Martini
Clean, crisp and effortlessly cool, the Vodka Martini is one of the most iconic cocktails of all time. Whether you like yours shaken, stirred, wet, dry or dirty, this classic drink is all about simplicity and sophistication.
Made with just two main ingredients, the Vodka Martini is easy to master and even easier to personalise. It’s a go-to for pre-dinner drinks, date nights or anytime you want something strong and stylish in hand.
Classic Vodka Martini Recipe
Ingredients:
-
60ml premium vodka like Little Biddy Vodka, (or Cardrona Distillery's 'The Reid' Single-Malt Vodka if you're trying to impress)
-
10ml dry vermouth (adjust to taste). We recommend Noilly Pratt but any dry vermouth will be alright (just make sure you keep it in the fridge once opened!
-
Ice
-
Lemon twist or green olive, to garnish
Method:
-
Fill a mixing glass with ice and pour in the vodka and vermouth.
-
Stir for 20 to 30 seconds until well chilled and just slightly diluted.
-
Strain into a very cold martini or coupe glass.
-
Garnish with a lemon twist or a green olive. Your call.
Martini Tips and Tweaks
-
Dry Vodka Martini: Use less vermouth if you like it sharper and more spirit-forward.
-
Wet Martini: Add a little extra vermouth if you want a softer sip.
-
Dirty Martini: Add a splash of olive brine and garnish with one or three olives (never two - it’s a superstition thing).
-
Shaken not stirred? Sure, just keep in mind that shaking creates a colder, cloudier drink with more dilution. If that’s your style, go for it.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to making the perfect Vodka Martini, it really does come down to personal preference. Vodka and vermouth are the stars of the show, so use the good stuff and adjust the ratios to your taste. Serve it icy cold and don’t forget to chill your glass super cold for the cleanest finish.
Whether you’re a lemon-twist loyalist or all about olives, the Vodka Martini is a classic that never goes out of fashion.
