Classic Gin Martini

The first known written recipe of the martini is credited to O. H. Bryson’s 1884 cocktail book, The Modern Bartender. But the actual origins are debated. The 'joke' about the gin martini, of course, is that there is little martini in it. The less vermouth in it, the drier it is said to be - a good martini is seriously dry. Oh yes, adding some brine from the bottle of olives makes it a 'dirty martini'.

Unbalanced

% Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet

Step 1

Place 8 ice cubes in a stainless steel cocktail shaker. The actual shaker doesn't matter though an Alessi is cool

Step 2

Add a good glug of gin. 40-43% alcohol ideal. Navy strength (can be 57%) is a bit strong unless you want to fall over

Step 3

Shake, vigorously

Step 4

Leave for 2 mins to get seriously cold

Step 5

Add a little dry vermouth into the glass (ideally ice cold), swirl and discard. There are many dry vermouths. I like Belsazar rose

Step 6

Pour into martini glass. Add 3-4 green olives on a cocktail stick. Adding a small amount of the olive brine makes it a 'dirty martini'. Place twirl of lemon rind on edge of glass if you wish

Step 7

Drink. Slowly. One good one is enough