What You’ll Love About This Recipe
Making martinis at home is not just about saving a trip to the bar—it’s about crafting a drink exactly how you like it. You’ll love this recipe because it’s simple, customizable, and lets you impress your guests with minimal effort. It requires only a few ingredients, so you can whip it up in minutes without a fuss. Plus, you can tweak the flavors to suit your taste, whether you prefer it dry, dirty, or with a twist. And who doesn’t love the feeling of shaking up a cocktail like a pro? It’s fun, satisfying, and adds a little sparkle to any occasion!
Recipe
The martini is a classic cocktail known for its simplicity and elegance. Made with gin and dry vermouth, it’s a timeless drink that can be customized to personal taste.
Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 oz gin
- 1/2 oz dry vermouth
- Ice
- Lemon twist or olive for garnish
Instructions:
- Fill a mixing glass with ice.
- Pour gin and vermouth over the ice.
- Stir well for about 30 seconds until chilled.
- Strain into a chilled martini glass.
- Garnish with a lemon twist or olive.
Notes:
- For a drier martini, reduce the vermouth to 1/4 oz.
- A vodka martini substitutes gin with vodka.
Equipment:
- Mixing glass
- Bar spoon
- Strainer
- Martini glass
Time:
- Prep time: 2 minutes
- Cooking time: 0 minutes
Cuisine: American
Serving: 1 cocktail
Nutrition
Martinis are a classic cocktail with a simple yet elegant flavor profile. Here’s the nutritional breakdown for a standard homemade martini.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 0 g |
| Protein | 0 g |
| Fat | 0 g |
| Sodium | 1 mg |
| Alcohol | 14 g |
What To Serve With It
I love thinking about what to serve with a martini, whether it’s classic pairings like olives or something more unexpected, like spicy nuts. The right snack can make your drink even better, and I’ve got a few favorites to share. Let’s talk about the usual suspects first, then get a little creative.
Classic Pairing Ideas
Mixing a martini always feels like an occasion, and pairing it with the right snacks makes it even better. I love starting with simple, salty options like mixed nuts or olives—they balance the martini’s crispness perfectly. Cheese boards with sharp cheddar, creamy brie, or tangy blue cheese are a hit too. For something light, try smoked salmon on crackers or fresh oysters—they complement the drink’s elegance. If I’m feeling fancy, I’ll add prosciutto-wrapped melon or bruschetta with tomatoes and basil. These classic pairings elevate the experience, making every sip feel like a celebration. Cheers to that!
Unexpected Flavor Matches
While classic pairings are always a hit, sometimes it’s fun to shake things up with flavors that surprise you. Try serving your martini with salty, briny olives stuffed with blue cheese—it’s a bold twist that balances the drink’s crispness. For something sweeter, dark chocolate-covered espresso beans add a rich contrast. If you’re feeling adventurous, spicy wasabi peas bring heat that plays off the martini’s smooth finish. Even pickled vegetables, like tangy okra or carrots, work surprisingly well. I once paired mine with smoked almonds, and the combo was unforgettable. Don’t be afraid to experiment—you might find a new favorite!
