Dry Martini: A Guide to the Perfect Cocktail

The Dry Martini is a timeless and sophisticated cocktail, revered for its simplicity and elegance. It features just two core ingredients: gin and dry vermouth, allowing the botanical notes of the gin to shine through. Here's what you'll need to create this iconic drink:

Ingredients:

• 2 ½ ounces gin (London Dry Gin is the classic choice, but you can experiment with other styles)
• ½ ounce dry vermouth (a quality dry vermouth is essential)
• Lemon twist (for garnish)
• Optional: Olives (stuffed or unstuffed) for garnish

Instructions:

1. For the perfect serving temperature, fill your coupe or martini glass with ice and let it sit for a few minutes. Discard the ice before building your drink.
2. In a mixing glass filled with ice, combine the gin and dry vermouth. Stir gently for about 20-30 seconds to chill and dilute the drink without adding air (shaking introduces air bubbles, which can alter the texture).
3. Strain the chilled martini into your waiting coupe or martini glass. Express the oils from a lemon twist over the drink and garnish the rim with the twist (or add olives on a cocktail pick for a dirty martini variation).

Tips:

• The gin you choose plays a major role in the final flavor profile. London Dry Gin is the traditional choice, offering a juniper-forward character. You can also explore other styles like Plymouth Gin or Old Tom Gin for a slightly different flavor experience.
• The classic Dry Martini uses a 5:1 ratio of gin to dry vermouth, but this can be adjusted to your taste preference. Want it drier? Use even less vermouth.
• Using high-quality gin and dry vermouth is key to creating a well-balanced and flavorful Dry Martini. Avoid using leftover or opened vermouth for extended periods, as it loses its potency and flavor over time.
• Stirring gently incorporates the ingredients and chills the drink without creating a watery texture. Over-stirring can dilute the flavors too much.
• The lemon twist expressed over the drink adds a subtle citrus aroma and complements the botanical notes of the gin.

The Dry Martini is a cocktail that allows for personalization. Experiment with different gins, vermouth ratios, and garnishes to find your perfect version of this classic drink. Enjoy responsibly!