From retro to elegant and even everyday, having a classic gin martini recipe in your cocktail arsenal is a must!
This recipe has the perfect balance of gin to vermouth with a dash of orange bitters that will impress your guests and make you feel like a true mixologist!
Serve it on the rocks with olives or in a fancy jumbo martini glass with a twist of lemon.
![Whether it’s shaken, stirred, or on the rocks, the classic gin martini is always in style! You’ll be the host with the most with this fabulous gin martini recipe, with its perfect mix of gin, vermouth, and bitters. Look no further for lots of ideas about how to serve this elegant cocktail, as well as how to make a dirty, dry, or sweet martini. Serve in a chilled martini glass with a twist, an olive, or even a slice of cucumber! #ginmartini #ginmartinirecipes #ginmartinirecipesdirty #ourzestylife holding a Traditional Gin Martini](https://ourzestylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Traditional-Gin-Martini-2-OurZestyLife-8.jpg)
A Classic Party Cocktail
- A timeless traditional cocktail that never goes out of style!
- Full of complex flavors, whether shaken (or stirred!) with a hint of bitters!
- Sophisticated yet simple, martinis only need a few ingredients and plenty of those signature glasses for a classy presentation.
- Make them to order and the guest will feel extra special! Serve some elegant appies too, such as crostini, ricotta toast, or caprese skewers.
![This fabulous gin martini recipe makes the perfect retro cocktail with timeless appeal. It’s a tasty combination of gin, vermouth, and orange bitters. Look to this recipe for lots of tips on how to make them dirty, dry, or sweet, and feel like an expert mixologist! Host your own martini party with an array of fun garnishes, from olives to colorful citrus twists, to cucumber slices! #ginmartini #ginmartinirecipes #ginmartinirecipesdirty #ourzestylife vermouth , gin , orange bitters and orange slice to make a Traditional Gin Martini](https://ourzestylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/IG-Traditional-Gin-Martini-OurZestyLife.jpg)
Ingredients and Variations
Gin: Choose the highest quality spirits for martinis for the best results and the smoothest flavor. Tanqueray is a popular brand for martinis, but there are many other gin infusions to try, so feel free to experiment!
Not a fan of gin? Swap it out for vodka, using 2 ounces of vodka to 1 teaspoon of vermouth.
Vermouth: Vermouth is a fragrant fortified wine that balances out the gin and comes in a dry or sweet variety. This recipe uses dry vermouth, but sweet vermouth can be used (AKA a sweet martini).
Bitters: While optional, bitters are a blend of earthy spices like cardamom, anise, and orange peel that can add depth of flavor to a martini, old-fashioned cocktail, and negroni. Triple Sec is the closest substitute for bitters.
![Here’s a gin martini recipe to keep for your cocktail recipe file forever! It’s a traditional martini, with a modern twist! This recipe is for a dry martini with a perfect combination of gin, dry vermouth, and bitters to deliver an excitingly complex flavor. Martinis can be served on the rocks or in a pretty martini glass with an olive, or a twist, or even cucumber slices! #ginmartini #ginmartinirecipes #ginmartinirecipesdirty #ourzestylife close up of a Traditional Gin Martini](https://ourzestylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Traditional-Gin-Martini-OurZestyLife-7.jpg)
How to Order a Martini
When ordering a martini you first need to decide if you want a gin or vodka martini! Then you determine how much vermouth you want added by ordering a bone-dry, dry, wet, or classic martini.
- This recipe is for a dry martini, which has a lesser ratio of vermouth to gin, while a bone-dry martini leaves the vermouth out!
- A wet or ‘classic’ martini is an equal ratio of vermouth to gin or vodka.
- A ‘perfect martini’ blends equal amounts of sweet and dry vermouth before adding the gin or vodka.
Here are a few more Martini terms you might want to know!
- Martinis can be neat, which means the alcohol is poured straight from the bottle instead of made in a shaker first.
- A dirty gin martini is made with a little olive juice (about an ounce) or brine added. While a “filthy” martini means more than an ounce is added!
![Give your guests' spirits a lift with this tasty gin martini recipe! It has the best blend of gin, vermouth, and bitters. Plus, enjoy the many tips and tricks for how to host a fun martini party! Serve these perfectly dry martinis with cucumber slices, a twist of citrus peel, or with olives on a toothpick. Mix them up dry, sweet, or even dirty! Martinis come in all varieties! #ginmartini #ginmartinirecipes #ginmartinirecipesdirty #ourzestylife ice in a glass to make Traditional Gin Martini](https://ourzestylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Traditional-Gin-Martini-OurZestyLife-2.jpg)
![Make yourself the host with the most with this classic gin martini recipe, with its perfect mix of gin, vermouth, and orange bitters. You’ll enjoy these ideas for how best to make a dirty, dry, or sweet martini, plus serving options. Serve them on the rocks or in a stylish martini glass with a twist, an olive, or even a slice of cucumber! This fun, festive cocktail never goes out of style! #ginmartini #ginmartinirecipes #ginmartinirecipesdirty #ourzestylife pouring liquids with ice to make Traditional Gin Martini](https://ourzestylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Traditional-Gin-Martini-OurZestyLife-3.jpg)
![This gin martini recipe is a keeper for the cocktail recipe file! It’s a classic martini, with a novel twist, with a perfect combination of gin, dry vermouth, and bitters. The result is a delightfully complex flavor and aroma! Martinis are best when served in a chilled martini glass with an olive, a twist, or even cucumber slices! Learn how to make a dirty, dry, or sweet martini too! #ginmartini #ginmartinirecipes #ginmartinirecipesdirty #ourzestylife mixing gin and vermouth with ice to make Traditional Gin Martini](https://ourzestylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Traditional-Gin-Martini-OurZestyLife-4.jpg)
How to Make a Gin Martini
- Place ice in a cocktail shaker, jar, or glass (per the recipe below).
- Add bitters (if using), gin, then vermouth.
- If using a shaker or jar, shake before pouring into a chilled glass. Or stir using a cocktail spoon, strain, and pour into a chilled glass.
- Garnish as desired and serve immediately.
![Make a gin martini easily with this simple recipe. It's a timeless cocktail that never goes out of style, and tastes delicious. With a blend of gin, vermouth, and orange bitters, this martini becomes a refreshing and elegant cocktail. Refer to the tips provided to make a dirty martini, to garnish, and to serve. This recipe has the best tips and tricks that can make anyone look like an expert mixologist! #ginmartini #ginmartinirecipes #ginmartinirecipesdirty #ourzestylife adding mixed liquids to martini glass to make Traditional Gin Martini](https://ourzestylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Traditional-Gin-Martini-OurZestyLife-5.jpg)
Our Favorite Martini Garnishes
Host a cocktail party with a martini bar featuring a variety of garnishes!
Olives: Green olives, like Spanish or Manzanilla olives and even black kalamata olives, are the garnish of choice since they add a salty balance to the gin and vermouth. Be sure to get olives preserved in brine and not oil.
Citrus: Citrus garnishes like a twist of lemon, lime, orange, or grapefruit peels are colorful and tangy.
Veggies: Try a thin slice of cucumber for an eye-catching garnish. Pickled vegetables are also a great choice!
![Make a gin martini either shaken, stirred, or on the rocks. Every great cocktail party needs a great gin martini as a featured cocktail. This recipe makes a martini with the perfect blend of gin, vermouth, and bitters. Plus, there are many ideas on how to serve this classy cocktail, including how to make a dirty martini or a dry or sweet one! #ginmartini #ginmartinirecipes #ginmartinirecipesdirty #ourzestylife glasses of Traditional Gin Martinis with olives](https://ourzestylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Traditional-Gin-Martini-OurZestyLife-6.jpg)
Tips For The Best Traditional Martini
- Be sure to use a martini glass with its classic, iconic shape! Not only do they look great, but the inverted cone shape prevents the alcohol from separating and allows plenty of room for one or two garnishes, such as olives or onions.
- Chill martini glasses in the freezer for about 30 minutes before using them, or swirl ice water in the glass for about 30 seconds and discard just before adding the martini.
- Always use the best quality ingredients for the best martini!
Other Tasty Cocktails
Have you tried this Gin Martini recipe? Leave a comment and rating below!
![holding a Traditional Gin Martini](https://ourzestylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Traditional-Gin-Martini-2-OurZestyLife-8-500x500.jpg)
Traditional Gin Martini
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup ice
- 6 dashes orange bitters optional
- 2 ounces gin
- 1 ounce dry vermouth
- 3 olives for garnish, optional
Instructions
- Place ice in a cocktail glass, jar, or cocktail shaker.
- Add bitters if using, then gin, and vermouth to the cocktail glass.
- Stir with a cocktail spoon*. Strain into a chilled martini glass.
- Garnish with olives if desired. Enjoy!
Notes
- *If preferred, top jar or shaker with the lid and shake.
- We prefer to stir this divine drink.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information does not include optional ingredients or garnish and is an estimate. It may change based on actual ingredients and cooking methods used.
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![The gin martini is a timeless cocktail that never goes out of style. This tasty recipe has the perfect blend of gin, vermouth, and orange bitters to make the most refreshing and elegant martini ever. Refer to these tips for how to make a dirty martini, how to garnish, and how to serve. This recipe has the best tips and tricks to make you look like an expert mixologist! #ginmartini #ginmartinirecipes #ginmartinirecipesdirty #ourzestylife close up of Traditional Gin Martini with olives and writing](https://ourzestylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/SP-Traditional-Gin-Martini-2-OurZestyLife-2.jpg)
![Lift your spirits with this classic gin martini recipe. It has the optimal combination of gin, vermouth, and bitters, plus lots of ideas for fun garnishes and serving suggestions! Every host needs to know how to make a superb martini, and this recipe has all the tips and tricks to make the perfect martini party. Serve them with cucumber slices, a twist of citrus peel, or traditional olives. #ginmartini #ginmartinirecipes #ginmartinirecipesdirty #ourzestylife glass of Traditional Gin Martini with skewer of olives and a title](https://ourzestylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/SP-Traditional-Gin-Martini-2-OurZestyLife-1.jpg)
![Shaken, stirred, or on the rocks, a gin martini is always in style! Every cocktail party host needs a great gin martini recipe, and this one fits the bill with its perfect blend of gin, vermouth, and bitters. Plus, this recipe has lots of ideas on how to serve this sophisticated cocktail, including how to make a dirty martini or a dry or sweet one! #ginmartini #ginmartinirecipes #ginmartinirecipesdirty #ourzestylife close up of a Traditional Gin Martini with writing](https://ourzestylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/NP-Traditional-Gin-Martini-OZL-1.jpg)
![This gin martini recipe is definitely one to keep for your cocktail recipe file! It’s a classic, with a twist! Make it dry with gin, dry vermouth, and bitters in the perfect proportions. Serve with ice, or in a chilled martini glass for maximum elegance and sophistication! This mid-century modern cocktail is the perfect drink to give a party a fun retro atmosphere! #ginmartini #ginmartinirecipes #ginmartinirecipesdirty #ourzestylife Traditional Gin Martini in a glass with olives and writing](https://ourzestylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/NP-Traditional-Gin-Martini-OZL-1-copy.jpg)
![A gin martini is a retro cocktail that has timeless appeal. The tasty recipe here provides the perfect proportions of gin, vermouth and orange bitters for an intensely flavored and elegant martini. The recipe provides tips on how to make a dirty, dry, or sweet martini! Feel like an expert mixologist and host a fun martini party! #ginmartini #ginmartinirecipes #ginmartinirecipesdirty #ourzestylife glass of Traditional Gin Martini and close up photo with a title](https://ourzestylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/LP-Traditional-Gin-Martini-OZL-1.jpg)
![This classic gin martini recipe will lift anyone’s spirits! It has the best combination of gin, vermouth, and bitters, and ideas for how to make a fun martini party! Every host needs to know how to make a perfect martini, and this recipe has all the tips and tricks that will make you look like an expert! Serve them with cucumber slices, a twist of citrus peel, or with olives on a toothpick. #ginmartini #ginmartinirecipes #ginmartinirecipesdirty #ourzestylife close up of Traditional Gin Martini with a title](https://ourzestylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/LP-Traditional-Gin-Martini-OZL-2.jpg)