Shaken or stirred, vodka or gin, dirty or dry – a classic martini can be customized in many ways. In this article, we'll focus on how to make a martini with vodka, guiding you through the process step by step, along with variations and tips to help you become a martini-making master. So grab a mixing glass, a shaker, and let's dive into the world of vodka martinis!
Best Budget Vodkas Ranked
Smirnoff
A global vodka giant with Russian origins, Smirnoff delivers consistent quality and versatility for any mixer.
Alcohol Percentage: 40%
Taste Profile: Crisp, mild sweetness with a clean finish
Best Cocktail Pairing: Classic Cosmopolitan
Best Food Paring: Grilled chicken skewers
Brand Breakdown: Find out more here
Absolut
Swedish purity in a bottle, Absolut is distilled from winter wheat, giving a smooth and rich experience.
Alcohol Percentage: 40%
Taste Profile: Smooth with light grain and citrus hints
Best Cocktail Pairing: Absolut Elyx Martini
Best Food Paring: Smoked salmon canapés
Brand Breakdown: Find out more here
Ketel One
A Dutch treat, Ketel One is the result of over 300 years of distilling expertise; a refined choice.
Alcohol Percentage: 40%
Taste Profile: Fresh with subtle citrus and honey notes
Best Cocktail Pairing: Dutch Mule
Best Food Paring: Aged cheeses or Dutch herring
Brand Breakdown: Find out more here
How To Make A Martini With Vodka Table of Contents
The Basic Vodka Martini Recipe
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What You'll Need
To make a vodka martini, you'll need the following ingredients and tools:
- Vodka: Choose a high-quality vodka. It's the star of the drink, and the better the quality, the smoother and more enjoyable your martini will be.
- Dry Vermouth: A fortified wine that adds a touch of herbaceousness and complexity to the cocktail.
- Ice: Preferably use fresh, large ice cubes as they chill the cocktail without over-diluting it.
- Olives or lemon twist: These are the two most popular garnishes for a vodka martini – choose based on your preference.
- Mixing glass or cocktail shaker: To mix the ingredients and chill the cocktail.
- Bar spoon or long-handled spoon: For stirring the ingredients.
- Jigger or measuring device: To ensure proper measurements of each ingredient.
- Hawthorne or julep strainer: To strain the cocktail into your glass.
- Martini glass or coupe: Both are classic options to serve your vodka martini.
The Basic Vodka Martini Recipe
Now that you have everything you need, let's get started with the basic vodka martini recipe:
1. Fill your mixing glass or shaker half-full with ice cubes.
2. Add 2 oz (60 ml) of vodka.
3. Add 1/2 oz (15 ml) of dry vermouth. (If you prefer a drier martini, use less vermouth; if you like it a bit wetter, add more.)
4. Stir the ingredients gently for about 30 seconds until well-chilled. (If you prefer your martini shaken, give it a vigorous shake for 15-20 seconds, but be aware that this may result in a slightly cloudier appearance due to air bubbles.)
5. Strain the mixture into your chilled martini glass or coupe.
6. Garnish with either a lemon twist or olives, depending on your preference.
Congratulations, you've made a classic vodka martini!
Variations and Tips
Now that you know the basics, let's explore some variations and tips to perfect your vodka martini game:
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Dirty Martini:
Add a splash of olive brine to the mixture before stirring or shaking, and garnish with olives for a savory twist.
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Dry Martini:
Use a ratio of 5:1 or even 6:1 vodka to vermouth to make it drier.
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Extra Dry Martini:
Rather than adding vermouth to the shaker, simply rinse your chilled glass with vermouth and dump it out before straining in the vodka.
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Vesper Martini:
A variation created by author Ian Fleming for James Bond, this martini uses both vodka and gin. Combine 1 1/2 oz (45 ml) gin, 1/2 oz (15 ml) vodka, and 1/4 oz (7.5 ml) Lillet Blanc in your mixing glass and stir, then garnish with a lemon twist.
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Garnishes:
Feel free to get creative with garnishes – try cocktail onions for a Gibson martini, or even a jalapeño-stuffed olive for a spicy kick.
How To Make A Martini With Vodka Example:
For an example of a popular vodka martini variation, let's make a Dirty Martini:
1. Fill your mixing glass or shaker half-full with ice cubes.
2. Add 2 oz (60 ml) of vodka.
3. Add 1/2 oz (15 ml) of dry vermouth.
4. Add 1/2 oz (15 ml) of olive brine (adjust the amount according to your taste preferences).
5. Stir the ingredients gently for about 30 seconds until well-chilled.
6. Strain the mixture into your chilled martini glass or coupe.
7. Garnish with 2-3 olives.
Enjoy your delicious Dirty Vodka Martini!
Now that you've mastered the art of making a vodka martini, why not experiment with various vodka brands, ratios, and garnishes to find your perfect mix? And since sharing is caring, be sure to share this article with your fellow vodka lovers so they can join you in exploring the refined world of vodka martinis. Don't forget to visit Vodka Doctors for more in-depth guides, vodka brand profiles, and inventive cocktail recipes. Cheers!
