What Is In A vodka Martini?

Technically, Can A Vodka Martini Be Just Vodka? 

No, a Vodka Martini also contains vermouth and typically a garnish of olives or a lemon peel. The amount of vermouth can vary from a drop or two, as in an Extra Dry Vodka Martini, to equal parts vodka and vermouth, which is known as a Perfect Vodka Martini. With just a splash of vermouth, it’s called a Dry Vodka Martini.

What is the Classic Vodka Martini? 

The classic Vodka Martini is made with vodka and vermouth, garnished with an olive or lemon peel. This is the cocktail that achieved iconic status as the preferred drink of James Bond. 

CLASSIC VODKA MARTINI RECIPE

Ice

2 1/2 oz vodka

1/2 oz dry vermouth

Green olive or lemon zest for garnish

1. Pour vodka and vermouth into a cocktail shaker filled with ice2. Stir until well chilled (about 20 seconds)

3. Strain into a Martini glass4. Garnish with olive or lemon peel 

What is a Dirty Vodka Martini? 

A Dirty Martini contains a splash of olive brine and first became popular in the 1950’s. 

DIRTY VODKA MARTINI RECIPE

2 oz Vodka

6 to 8 drops of dry vermouth

0.8 oz of olive juice

3 olives for garnish

1. In a shaker with ice, add Vodka, dry vermouth, and olive juice

2. Stir until well chilled (about 20 seconds) 

3. Strain into a Martini  glass

3. Garnish with olives

What other kinds of Martinis are there?

The original classic Martini dating back to the 1880’s is made with London Dry Gin and vermouth. It was followed by the Vodka Martini, first appearing around the 1930’s. Although purists frowned on the vodka riff, today they come in all flavors and combinations imaginable like the chocolate, espresso, and watermelon Martinis. From the vegetable realm, you’ve got the Cucumber Martini and the Gibson Martini, garnished with pickled onions.

What Type of Vodka Martini Is Better? Shaken or Stirred? 

Shaken or stirred. That is the quintessential Martini question. Despite the iconic James Bond line “shaken not stirred”, most mixologists are firmly in the stirred camp. This gives the cocktail a silky texture and clarity with minimal dilution. Shaking can cause more ice to melt, making the drink weaker and producing tiny bubbles that give it a cloudy appearance. The general rule is to stir cocktails containing all spirits. Cocktails made with non-alcoholic ingredients like juice or egg whites may require shaking to mix thoroughly.