Martini

The martini is a classic cocktail traditionally made with gin and vermouth and garnished with an olive, a lemon twist, or both.

The martini is a classic cocktail traditionally made with gin and vermouth and garnished with an olive or lemon twist. It is one of the best-known mixed drinks, with a disputed history and many variations.

What it is

A martini is a chilled cocktail built around gin and vermouth, stirred or shaken and strained into a glass. Its garnish — usually an olive or a lemon twist — is part of the drink’s identity. The recipe has evolved over time, and the vodka martini is now a common alternative.

Key details

The traditional base spirit is gin, with vermouth as the modifier. Proportions vary, but a classic dry martini uses a small amount of vermouth. The drink is typically served in a conical cocktail glass. The olive garnish is standard, though a lemon twist is also traditional.

Variations

The best-known variation is the vodka martini, which swaps gin for vodka. Older sweeter styles, closer to the Martinez family, also exist. Bartenders have adjusted vermouth ratios and serving styles over time, making the martini a flexible template for many recipes.