What Is Martini and How Is Martini Made?

Whether cocktail or vermouth, Martini stands for style, flavor, and versatility. Few drinks are as iconic as the Martini, but what exactly is behind it? Is Martini a cocktail or a vermouth? And how do you actually make it properly? Here you'll learn everything, from its origins to preparation to the most popular recipes and varieties. Perfect for anyone who wants to know what a real Martini should taste like or what you can mix with it.

What Exactly Is Martini?

Martini isn't just one thing. There's the Martini cocktail, and there's the "Martini" brand. The Martini cocktail is a mix of gin or vodka and vermouth. Martini (the brand), on the other hand, is a vermouth that can be enjoyed neat or used in cocktails.

Where Does Martini Come From?

A classic with a rich history, known worldwide both as an aperitif and as a Martini cocktail.

• The Martini brand comes from Italy and dates back to 1863. Martini & Rossi was founded in Turin, and the aromatized vermouth quickly became a worldwide aperitif classic with its unmistakable Martini flavor.

• The Martini cocktail, on the other hand, is a completely different story, and along the way, it answers the question: what does Martini taste like? Where exactly the cocktail originated is still not entirely clear. There are countless legends: some say it originated in San Francisco, others trace its roots to New York or London. The first official written mention, however, comes from 1888 in Harry Johnson's bartender's manual, where he documented the Martini for the first time, along with a Martini recipe.

How Is a Martini Made?

To make a classic Martini cocktail, you need two things: the right Martini ingredients and a chilled Martini glass. That angular cocktail glass with the long stem has been more than just a serving vessel since the 1930s, it's a true symbol of cocktail culture around the world.

Ingredients for a Martini:

• Gin - classic, aromatic, with a juniper note.
• Dry vermouth - an aromatic wine infused with herbs.
• Ice cubes - for chilling while stirring or shaking.
• Garnish - such as olives or lemon zest.

How to Make a Martini Cocktail:

1. Fill a mixing glass with ice: the drink gets ice-cold in the glass, which keeps the Martini clear and smooth.
2. Add gin and vermouth to the mixing glass: the classic ratio for a Martini is 6:1 (gin to vermouth), but it can be adjusted to taste.
3. Stir for about 30 seconds: it's important not to stir too long, or the Martini will become watered down.
4. Strain into a chilled Martini glass: pre-chill the glass with ice beforehand, or place it in the freezer briefly.
5. Garnish with an olive or zest: finally, finish off the Martini cocktail with an olive or citrus zest.

What Types of Martinis Are There?

The Classic Martini is the mother of all Martini drinks and also the foundation for countless variations. What sets these versions apart isn't a new ingredient, it's simply the ratio of gin to vermouth. That's exactly where the elegance and versatility of this iconic drink lies.

Here's an overview of the most well-known Martini cocktail varieties:

1. Dry Martini: very little vermouth, lots of gin. An extremely dry and strong drink.

That means: 6 to 10 parts gin, 1 part dry vermouth.

1. Wet Martini: noticeably more vermouth in the glass, making it milder and softer in flavor.

That means: 3 parts gin, 1 part vermouth, or equal parts of both.

1. Perfect Martini: a harmonious blend of dry and sweet vermouth in equal parts.

That means: 6 parts gin, 0.5 parts dry vermouth, 0.5 parts sweet vermouth.

1. Dirty Martini: here, a splash of olive brine comes into play, giving the drink a saltier, more savory edge.

That means: 6 parts gin, 1 part dry vermouth, plus about 0.5 parts olive brine (adjust to taste).

How Do You Properly Drink a Martini?

A Martini isn't a drink you just enjoy "any old way," it calls for style, precision, and a bit of preparation. To make the flavor experience truly perfect, keep a few key details in mind:

• Ice-cold Martini glass: place the glass in the freezer briefly before serving, or fill it with ice while you mix. This keeps the drink cold longer without diluting it with added ice.
• Pre-chilled ingredients: both the gin and vermouth should come straight from the refrigerator. The colder the base, the clearer and more elegant the flavor.
• Gently stirred, not shaken: a classic Martini cocktail is gently stirred in a mixing glass with ice, which keeps it clear and refined. Only certain variations, like James Bond's vodka Martini, call for shaking.
• Minimal garnish, but full of character: a green olive or a fine lemon zest is all you need.
• Sip it slowly: the Martini is stylish and complex. It's not meant to be downed quickly, but enjoyed in small sips.

When Do You Drink a Martini?

Traditionally, the Martini is considered a classic aperitif, meaning a drink enjoyed before a meal to stimulate the appetite. Its dry, clean character and the elegant bitterness of the vermouth make it perfect for that moment. But times have changed, and so have drinking habits.

Today, the lines have blurred. A well-mixed Martini is no longer just a starter, it can suit any occasion in the right form. As a stylish companion at parties, a signature drink for after-work gatherings, or simply a relaxed evening treat. Its versatility lies in its many variations.

Top 3 Martini Recipes: What Can You Mix with Martini?

Few cocktails are as stylish and timeless as the Martini. Here are three variations to show you what you can mix with Martini:

Classic Martini

Ingredients:

• 2 oz gin
• 1 tsp dry vermouth
• 1 tsp sweet red vermouth
• Ice cubes
• Garnish: lemon zest or olive

Preparation:

1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Add the gin, dry vermouth, and sweet vermouth.
3. Stir gently for about 30 seconds.
4. Strain into a chilled Martini glass.
5. Garnish with a lemon zest or olive.

Martini Americano

Ingredients:

• 1 oz red vermouth (e.g., Martini Rosso)
• 1 oz Campari
• Soda water, to top off
• Ice cubes
• Garnish: orange slice or lemon zest

Preparation:

1. Fill a tumbler glass with ice cubes.
2. Add the Campari and red vermouth.
3. Top off with soda water (to taste).
4. Stir briefly.
5. Garnish with an orange slice or lemon zest.

Espresso Martini

Ingredients:

• 1.3 oz vodka
• 0.7 oz coffee liqueur (e.g., Kahlúa)
• 1 freshly brewed espresso (about 1 oz, hot or cooled)
• Optional: 0.2-0.3 oz simple syrup (to taste)
• Ice cubes
• Garnish: 3 coffee beans

Preparation:

1. Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Shake vigorously for at least 20 seconds, to create a nice layer of foam.
3. Strain into a pre-chilled Martini glass.
4. Garnish with three coffee beans, symbolizing health, wealth, and happiness.