Martini

How to make a martini

Martini cocktails, dry or otherwise, should be ordered with an olive or with a twist – a sliver of lemon zest that is twisted directly over the cocktail after it has been decanted into the glass, which coats the surface with a veil of lemon oil. The classic V-shaped glass with a wide mouth is part of the martini cocktail ritual; perhaps this is because you must be very careful to hold it firmly and not to spill.

There are many variations, some old, some new. A dash of orange bitters was once common and is highly recommended: a dirty martini has a splash of the salty water in which olives are stored. A 21st century version might use English pink gin, in which raspberries have macerated to give colour and taste.

See our martini recipes.

How to store a martini

Actually, a pre-mixed martini cocktail stores remarkably well and does not deteriorate even if transported in a Thermos flask. Yet somehow it tastes better for you having heard it shaken with ice and then poured and sipped at once.

Where to buy a martini

Wherever there is gin and vermouth and ice.

The best is entirely up to you, according to the style of gin you like best. There are also variations of dry vermouth. But a martini cocktail must be shaken with ice and served in a chilled glass. Straight up means served without ice in the glass; on the rocks means there will be ice in the glass.