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This classic martini cocktail is simple, strong, and surprisingly easy to make at home. With just a few quality ingredients and the right technique, you can skip the bar and enjoy a perfectly chilled martini whenever the mood strikes.

Martini Cocktail Recipe

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There’s just something about a martini. It’s elegant, timeless, and feels a little fancy—even when you’re making it in your own kitchen. If you’ve ever ordered one at a bar and thought, “I should really learn how to make this myself,” today is your day.

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Whether you like it clean and crisp or a little dirty with olive juice, this recipe gives you a great base to customize exactly how you like it.

Why You’ll Love This Martini Recipe

Quick & easy – Ready in about 2 minutes
Classic and customizable – Make it clean, dirty, or extra dry
No fancy equipment needed – A shaker or mixing jar works just fine
Perfect for entertaining – Or a quiet night in

If you’re new to mixing cocktails, don’t worry—this is a great place to start.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gin (or vodka)
Dry vermouth
Orange bitters, to taste

That’s it! Simple ingredients really shine here, so quality matters.

Step-by-Step Directions

Place a bit of ice in a mixing jar or shaker.
Add the orange bitters first, followed by the gin (or vodka) and dry vermouth.
Stir gently until well chilled.
Strain into a martini glass.
Garnish with olives if desired, and enjoy!

Tips for the Best Martini

Don’t shake it. Martinis are meant to be stirred, not shaken. Stirring keeps the drink smooth and clear instead of cloudy.
Want it dirty? Add about 1 ounce of olive juice for a dirty martini.
Chill your glass. Pop your martini glass in the freezer for about 30 minutes before serving to keep your drink colder, longer.
Use quality ingredients. With so few components, good gin and vermouth make all the difference.

Remember, martinis are served without ice, so chilling beforehand is key!

Make It Your Own

This recipe is a great starting point. From here, you can: adjust the vermouth for a drier or wetter martini, swap olives for a lemon twist, experiment with different gins and vodkas to find your favorite flavor profile!

Cheers! 🍸

More cocktail recipes to enjoy

How to Make a Martini Cocktail

Martini Cocktail Recipe

Created by: April Woods

Course Drinks

Cuisine American

Prep Time 2

Cook Time 0

A classic martini cocktail made with gin, dry vermouth, and a dash of orange bitters.

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Ingredients

▢ 2 Ounces Gin or Vodka
▢ 1 Ounce Dry Vermouth
▢ Dash of Orange Bitters to taste
▢ Ice

Instructions

Place ice in a mixing jar or shaker.
Dash the bitters in first and follow it with the gin or vodka, then the vermouth.
Stir and strain into your glass and garnish as desired.

Notes

Calories are automatically generated. For best results calculate based on your exact ingredients.

Recipe Notes:

Stir, don’t shake, for a smooth, clear martini.
Chill the glass before serving to keep the drink colder longer.
Add up to 1 ounce olive juice for a dirty martini.
Use quality ingredients for the best flavor.

Nutrition

Calories: 175kcal

Did You Make This Recipe?

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Tools we love

Glass pitcher – Everyone needs a gorgeous glass pitcher! Perfect for water on the weekdays and cocktails on the weekends!
Stemless wine glasses – I am a huge fan of stemless wine glasses for cocktails as they’re much less likely to tip over. Read = I am clumsy.