Dry Vodka Martini

The dry  Martini is one of those classic cocktails that should to be one of the first cocktails that you learn to make, mostly because it is so easy to prepare, but also because it has always been THE classic cocktail, and its popularity has only increased through the years.

There are many variations on the Martini, and you can find them online without too much trouble, some resemble original Martini recipes, whilst others are just barely able to call themselves a Martini. The original Martini is made with Gin, but I prefer Vodka in a Martini, the dry Vodka Martini has a refreshing smoothness that I find somewhat lacking in a Gin Martini.

We will all be aware of perhaps the biggest ambassador for the Vodka Martini over the last sixty years, James Bond. Ian Flemings’ fictional Character famously prefers his Vodka Martini shaken and not stirred, well this is actually called a Bradford Martini.

Shaking a Martini instead of stirring it results in the Vermouth opening up and thrusting its flavour profile upon the drink, as a result of the aeration from being shaken. As such a Bradford Martini requires half the amount of Vermouth.

80ml Premium Vodka

20ml Dry Vermouth

1 Olive

1 Lemon Peel Twist (should be approx. 10-15mm wide and 30mm long)

This is how I make a Vodka Martini, I like it dry, but there are numerous ways to make a martini it all depends on your preference.

Mix the Vodka and the Vermouth with a little ice in a shaker then strain over the olive into a chilled martini glass, then twist the lemon peel to release some of the oils and add the lemon peel, and voila you have a dry Vodka Martini.