I keep ingredients for a few cocktails on hand when we have parties, and can always quickly whip up a Classic or Dirty Martini for guests on demand.
This post is a collaboration with Better Homes and Gardens. I was not compensated, but I’d like to note that they sent me a copy of their lovely new magazine, Get Together.
I’m boring when it comes to alcoholic beverages. After battling with severe migraines for years and realizing that alcohol is a trigger, I am overly cautious.
I almost always stick with white wine or a few specific cocktails (gin & tonics or classic margaritas are safe standards). However, it’s obviously not all about me, especially when I host a get together.
I keep ingredients on hand for several other cocktails when we have parties, and I can always quickly whip up a classic or dirty martini for guests.
How to Make a Martini
This is an incredibly easy drink to prepare, even for beginners. While I tend to prefer something with a bit more acidity, I can definitely understand the appeal of such a classic cocktail.
I love olives and their salty brine, so the dirty martini is my top pick out of these two preparations. If you’re hosting a get together, the martini is a timeless, simple option to offer your guests.
Want More Drink Recipes?
Check out my Blood Orange Gin & Tonic and my Cranberry Margarita!
The Classic Martini + The Dirty Martini
I keep ingredients for a few cocktails on hand when we have parties, and can always quickly whip up a Classic or Dirty Martini for guests on demand.
for the classic martini
- 2 1/2 ounces London dry gin or vodka
- 1 ounce dry vermouth
for the dry martini
- 2 1/2 ounces London dry gin or vodka
- 1 ounce dry vermouth
- 1/2 ounce olive juice ((use the brine from a jar of green olives))
To prepare the classic martini:
- Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice and add the gin or vodka, and vermouth. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds to chill the ingredients. Strain into a martini glass.
To prepare the dry martini:
- Place 1-2 green olives in a martini glass.
- Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice and add the gin or vodka, olive juice, and vermouth. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds to chill the ingredients. Strain into the prepared martini glass.
Gorgeous photos! Stevie is a huge fan of the dirty martini.
A classic! My husband loves a good dirty martini and while I can never have enough olives in my life, I’ve never been a fan of the brininess in my drink. Now, I’m always happy with an olive garnish (if I have my pick, I’m all about the blue cheese-stuffed ones :-P).
Tack sharp pics! My wife could drink these all day long, her fav cocktail and has to be extra dirty.
This looks like it should be in a classic b&w movie!
Don’t shake a martini! It’s supposed to be crystal clear. Shaking it will introduce tiny air bubbles and ice shards. The drink will be an ugly mess with a bad texture.
If you truly like that texture, then order a Bradford. That is the name of a shaken martini.
If you want vodka, don’t order a martini. The version of this cocktail made with vodka instead of gin is called a Kangaroo.
Keep the barbarians at the gate.