How to Make a Vodka Martini

“Shaken, not stirred,” is the first quote that would come to mind about martinis from the famous James Bond. While martinis have been a staple cocktail for decades they are more popular with cocktail drinkers that know exactly what they want. For those that order martinis, they usually have a specific way they like their cocktails and will very rarely just order a martini without modifications. The main reason for this is that the recipe for a martini has changed over the years in many different ways. You can do a vodka martini, a gin martini, shaken, stirred, straight up, with a twist, very dry, or even with olives. The specifications are endless and uniquely tailored to each person. 

Part of the reason people are so drawn to the martini is that there’s no extra sugar to it. So for people that like the taste of alcohol in their cocktail, this is their drink of choice. You know exactly what you’re getting, you know exactly what the flavour should be, and you don’t have to worry about all of the syrup or sugar added in by bartenders. 

What is in a Vodka Martini?

Besides this drink is delicious and classy, as a bonus, it’s very easy to make. It only requires two ingredients and a garnish. You will need your vodka of choice, vermouth, and ice. For a garnish, you have your choice of a lemon peel, olives, or even onion if you want to be bold. 

How to Make a Vodka Martini? 

 Let’s walk through step by step on how to make a vodka martini. You will need: 

– 2 ½ oz Vodka 

– ½ oz Vermouth 

– Ice 

– Lemon peel or olives to garnish 

Start by grabbing either a cocktail shaker or a mixing glass. Fill the mixing glass full of ice and pour all of the ingredients in. Stir ingredients vigorously for at least 20 seconds. Strain your cocktail into a martini glass or a coupe glass. Garnish with either a lemon peel or olives. 

What is the Difference Between a Martini and a Vodka Martini?

Gin was the original liquor choice for the classic martini. It was the original liquor up until about the 1950s and when vodka was introduced. While gin remained popular for a little while longer into the 50s, vodka quickly became a staple and by the 1970s martinis were only made with vodka unless specified otherwise.

Which is Better, Gin or Vodka? 

For the people that will fight to the death that gin is the classic cocktail, therefore better, are met in equal defence of those in favour of vodka. Vodka has a smoother taste and isn’t as harsh as gin. Gin is more botanical since it’s made with juniper, berries, and other floral notes. While vodka is water-based and more smooth which added to the modern take on the martini. 

If you like the taste of alcohol then gin is the alcohol you need as the base of your martini. For something more on the subtle side and not so abrasive, stick with the vodka. 

What is a Dry Martini?

A dry martini is when you use dry vermouth instead of sweet vermouth. When the martini was first created it was made with sweet vermouth and had a completely different flavor profile. Over the years it gradually began to change. At the beginning of the 20th century, the dry martini was made with ½ vermouth and ½ gin. During The Prohibition it turned into 1/3 gin and 2/3 vermouth to take away the sting that bathtub gin brought. At present date, a dry martini is made with a 5:1 ratio of gin and vermouth. This way you mainly get the taste of the base alcohol with just a little vermouth to take the edge off. 

What is a Dirty Vodka Martini?

A dirty martini is adding olive brine into a martini. So instead of that see-through, glassy cocktail, you are getting a cocktail with a salty punch. When you order or make a dirty martini it consists of: 

– 2 1/2 oz vodka 

– ½ oz dry vermouth

– ½ oz olive brine 

– 3-5 olives for a garnish

What to Mix with Vodka at Home?

The best part about martinis is that they’re easy to make. All you have to mix with the vodka is vermouth, ice, stir and you have yourself a martini! 

Does James Bond Drink Gin or Vodka Martinis?

James Bond’s classic cocktail is 100% fictional. It’s called a Vesper, named after the character, Vesper Lynd. This cocktail has 1 part vodka, 1/2 part Kina Lillet, and 3 parts Gordons. This is definitely not a normal cocktail as it has a mixture of gin and vodka together. While Bond has inspired the famous, “Shaken, not stirred,” into people’s martini orders it may not be the best way to drink a martini. 

Should Martinis be Shaken or Stirred?

It sounds cool to say the famous phrase but for people that drink martinis religiously, shaking is not the way to go. The traditional way to make a martini is stirred. The only reason to shake a cocktail is if there is citrus, egg white, syrups, or dairy included in a cocktail. Since the martini doesn’t have any of those — stirred it is! 

A shaken martini brings the temperature down a lot faster than stirred but it also dilutes the cocktail with water and adds ice particles that most martini drinkers don’t enjoy. If there’s ice in the cocktail it adds a different texture to the cocktail and takes away from the strength of the liquor. It’s a wonder as to why the classy James Bond would order a cocktail without the class factor of the traditional martini, but his order is memorable.

If you don’t fancy trying your hand at making your own martini cocktail or don’t have the time then why not try a pre mixed version.

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