Dry Martini

The Dry Martini is the king of classic cocktails: ice-cold gin, a whisper of dry vermouth and a twist or an olive. Simple, elegant and timeless.

Ingredients

• 60ml London Dry gin
• 10-15ml dry vermouth
• Ice
• Lemon twist or green olive, to garnish

Method

1. Chill the glass: Put a martini or coupe glass in the freezer, or fill it with ice and water while you mix.
2. Stir: Add the gin and vermouth to a mixing glass full of ice and stir for 30 seconds until very cold.
3. Strain: Tip the ice out of your glass and strain the drink in.
4. Garnish: Twist a strip of lemon peel over the top to release its oils, or drop in an olive.

Tips for the Perfect Dry Martini

• Stir, don't shake. Stirring keeps the drink silky and crystal clear.
• Keep your vermouth in the fridge once opened; it is a wine and goes stale in a few weeks.
• For a 'wet' martini, use more vermouth; for an 'extra dry' one, simply rinse the glass with it.

Variations

Swap the gin for vodka for a Vodka Martini, add a splash of olive brine for a Dirty Martini, or garnish with a cocktail onion and you have a Gibson.

Please drink responsibly. Know your limits, and never drink and drive.