The Best Homemade Dry Martini Recipe
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This homemade dry martini recipe is perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a classic cocktail at home. You’ll love it because it’s simple to make, with just a few high-quality ingredients that come together beautifully. The crisp, clean flavor of gin or vodka shines through, balanced by the subtle hint of dry vermouth. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable—adjust the ratio to suit your taste or add a twist with your favorite garnish. And the best part? It feels fancy but takes just minutes to prepare, making it ideal for any occasion.
Recipe
The classic Dry Martini is a timeless cocktail known for its simplicity and elegance. Made with just a few ingredients, it delivers a crisp, clean flavor that has made it a favorite for generations.
Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 oz gin
- 1/2 oz dry vermouth
- 1 dash orange bitters (optional)
- Lemon twist or olive, for garnish
Instructions:
- Fill a mixing glass with ice.
- Add gin, dry vermouth, and bitters (if using).
- Stir well for about 30 seconds until chilled.
- Strain into a chilled martini glass.
- Garnish with a lemon twist or olive.
Notes:
- For a drier martini, reduce the vermouth to 1/4 oz or rinse the glass with vermouth before straining.
- Stirring guarantees a silky texture, but shaking can be done for a slightly different mouthfeel.
Equipment:
- Mixing glass
- Bar spoon
- Strainer
- Martini glass
Time:
- Prep time: 2 minutes
- Cooking time: 1 minute
Cuisine: Cocktail
Serving: 1 drink
Nutrition
Nutritional information for one serving of a homemade dry martini, made with gin and dry vermouth.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 164 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 0.1 g |
| Protein | 0 g |
| Fat | 0 g |
| Alcohol | 21.3 g |
What To Serve With It
I love pairing my homemade dry martini with a variety of cheeses, like sharp cheddar or creamy brie, to balance its crispness. A mix of briny olives, such as green Castelvetrano or Kalamata, adds a savory touch that complements the drink perfectly. These simple pairings make the experience feel fancy without any extra effort.
Cheese Pairings
Cheese and a homemade dry martini might sound like an unusual combo, but it’s a pairing I’ve come to love over time. The crisp, dry flavors of the martini balance rich, creamy cheeses beautifully. My go-to is aged Gouda—its nutty depth complements the gin perfectly. Sharp cheddar works wonders too, adding a tangy contrast. Blue cheese, with its bold flavor, creates a surprising harmony if you’re feeling adventurous. For something milder, try soft brie or camembert. Just remember, keep the cheese bites small so they don’t overpower the drink. It’s all about balance, and trust me, it’s worth trying.
Olive Varieties
While the dry martini’s simplicity might suggest it’s best enjoyed solo, adding the right olives can take it to a whole new level. I love using plump, briny Castelvetrano olives for their buttery texture and mild flavor—they complement the gin or vodka without overpowering it. For a bolder twist, try Kalamata olives with their rich, tangy bite. If you’re feeling adventurous, stuffed olives, like those with blue cheese or garlic, add a fun surprise. I always go for high-quality olives because they make a difference. Remember, the garnish isn’t just decoration—it’s part of the experience. Cheers to finding your perfect olive match!
