Cocktail Tutorial: How to Make a Classic Gin Martini

If you're a fan of classic cocktails, you’ve likely heard the iconic line from everyone's favorite spy, ordering a "Martini, shaken not stirred." But did you know that's not the optimal way to craft this elegant drink?

Jordan Hughes, mixologist and cocktail stylist, shares with you my favorite way to make a gin martini. By following this step-by-step guide, you’ll learn how to make a martini that’s perfectly balanced and truly delightful.

Ingredients You'll Need

Orange Bitters: Start with a few dashes of orange bitters to add a subtle complexity to your martini.
Dry Vermouth: Measure out just a half ounce. Vermouth is essential for that smooth, dry finish.
Gin: While you can make a martini with vodka, today we're using gin. You'll need 2 and 1/2 ounces.
Ice: Essential for chilling your drink without diluting it.
Garnish: I prefer a lemon twist, but olives are a popular choice too.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Add Bitters and Vermouth: Begin by adding a few dashes of orange bitters into your mixing glass. Follow this with half an ounce of dry vermouth.

2. Pour the Gin: Next, pour 2 and 1/2 ounces of your favorite gin into the mixing glass.

3. Add Ice and Stir: Fill the mixing glass with ice. Since the martini is primarily spirit-based, stirring is the best method. This chills the drink without watering it down.

4. Strain and Serve: Strain your martini into a chilled glass.

5. Garnish: Express the oils from a lemon peel over the drink and drop it in. This adds a refreshing citrus aroma that complements the gin perfectly.

A classic martini is best stirred because it’s made up of mostly spirits. Shaking can add too much water and air, diluting the flavors and changing the texture. Stirring ensures your martini remains crisp and clean, preserving the integrity of the ingredients.

The garnish is more than just decoration. A lemon twist adds a burst of citrus that enhances the gin's botanicals. To express the oils, twist the peel over the glass, releasing the fragrant essence before dropping it into the drink.

If you’re interested in learning more about cocktail recipes and techniques, check out his new course on Domestika 'Introduction to Cocktails and Mixology'. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned mixologist, this course offers valuable insights and step-by-step tutorials to elevate your cocktail-making skills.