The Perfect Vodka Martini

Few cocktails embody sophistication quite like a properly crafted vodka martini, a personal favorite for a Friday night Happy Hour. While James Bond might have popularized this refined serve, we’re here to help you master a version that doesn’t need movie magic to shine.

A vodka martini with two olives sits on a table beside a brown vase of dried grass and a gold tray.

Watch🎥: How to Make the Perfect Martini

What Is a Vodka Martini?

A vodka martini is a clean, crisp cocktail combining premium vodka with dry vermouth. It emerged in the 1950s as Americans sought lighter alternatives to the classic gin martini, though purists initially scoffed at this variation. Today, it stands as one of the most requested cocktails in upscale bars worldwide.

A clear vodka martini with olives rests on a gold tray beside a brown vase of dried flowers.

What you’ll love about this recipe:

RATIOS – Our recipe strikes the perfect 3:1 ratio of vodka to vermouth, creating a balanced martini that lets the vodka’s character shine while maintaining complexity.
PERSONALIZED – This is a versatile template that you can easily adjust to your preferences, whether you prefer it bone dry or with a more pronounced vermouth presence.

What You Need to Make a Vodka Martini

Vodka: Choose a premium vodka with a clean finish – we recommend Belvedere or Grey Goose for their smooth character.
Dry Vermouth: Fresh Dolin or Noilly Prat dry vermouth adds subtle complexity and aromatics.
Ice: Large, dense cubes for proper dilution during stirring.
Garnish: Fresh lemon twist or quality olives (preferably Castelvetrano).

How to Make a Vodka Martini

Chill your martini glass thoroughly with ice water or in the freezer.
: In a mixing glass, combine 3 oz vodka and 1 oz dry vermouth.
Fill with ice and stir for 30-40 seconds until properly chilled and diluted.
Strain into your chilled martini glass.

A hand drops ice cubes into a tall cocktail shaker on a marble surface, with a small plate of green olives nearby and a green backdrop behind.

A hand pours vodka from a small glass into a large glass pitcher on a marble surface beside a plate of green olives.

A spoon drips juice above a half-filled cocktail glass next to a small bowl of green olives on a marble surface.

Expert Recipe Tips

Tip 1: Store your vermouth in the refrigerator after opening – it’s wine-based and will oxidize at room temperature.
Tip 2: For the cleanest possible martini, freeze your vodka overnight – this creates a silkier texture.
Tip 3: Always stir, never shake, despite famous movie lines. This creates the proper texture without over-diluting or clouding the drink.

A vodka martini with olives, a brown vase with dried grass, and a glass of water sit on a gold tray on a marble surface.

How to Serve This Vodka Martini

Serve in a properly chilled martini glass or Nick & Nora glass. If using olives, opt for an odd number (one or three) – it’s traditional and more visually appealing. For a lemon twist, express the oils over the drink’s surface before dropping it in.

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Prep Time:5

Total Time:5

Equipment

cocktail shaker

Ingredients

3 oz Vodka
1 oz Dry vermouth
Ice
Lemon or Olives to garnish

Instructions

Add the vodka and vermouth to a mixing glass.
Add ice and stir.
Strain into a chilled martini glass and garnish.

Video

Notes

It’s important when buying vermouth to make sure it’s dry and not sweet.

Servings: 1 cocktail

Author: Kita

Recipe FAQs

Should I really stir rather than shake my martini?

Yes, although were fans of 007 as much as the next guys, a proper vodka martini is stirred. Stirring maintains the proper texture and clarity while achieving optimal dilution. Shaking creates unnecessary aeration and can make the drink too cold and diluted.

How long does vermouth last once opened?

When refrigerated, dry vermouth maintains its quality for about a month. Write the date on the bottle when you open it.

Can I make this extra dry?

Absolutely. Reduce the vermouth to a scant rinse of the glass, or omit it entirely for a bone-dry martini. However, we encourage trying our balanced ratio first.

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