Martini

A classic Martini is made with dry gin and dry vermouth, stirred with ice and strained into a chilled cocktail glass. The ratio of gin to vermouth varies widely by preference, from a wet Martini at 2:1 to extremely dry versions at 50:1 or even a simple rinse of vermouth. The standard garnish is either a green olive (for a Martini) or a lemon twist, with a cocktail onion transforming it into a Gibson.

The classic ratio for a balanced Martini is 5:1 to 6:1 gin to dry vermouth, which was the standard in mid-20th century cocktail culture. Very dry Martinis popularized in the 1950s and 1960s reduce the vermouth to a mere rinse or omit it entirely, sacrificing complexity for strength. Modern craft bartenders often favor a wetter 3:1 or 4:1 ratio to allow the vermouth to contribute its herbal, floral character alongside the gin botanicals.

A classic gin Martini at a 5:1 ratio has an ABV of approximately 35–38%, making it one of the strongest standard cocktails when measured by the drink. Even with dilution from stirring with ice, a Martini delivers a significant alcohol content in a small, 3–4 oz serving. The Vodka Martini substitutes gin for vodka (typically 40% ABV) with similar or identical vermouth proportions.