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When you’re searching for the classic wet martini recipe that brings together the perfect balance of gin and vermouth, we’ve got exactly what you need. While the dry martini often steals the spotlight, there’s something wonderfully complex about the wet martini’s more generous pour of vermouth that deserves your attention.

A wet martini with a lemon twist sits on a gold coaster, with dried flowers and a glass in the blurred background.

Watch 🎥: How to Make This Martini

What Is a Wet Martini Cocktail?

A wet martini is a variation of the classic martini that features a higher ratio of dry vermouth to gin, typically using a 2:1 gin-to-vermouth ratio. This creates a softer, more aromatic cocktail that lets the botanical notes of both spirits shine through.

A wet martini with a lemon twist sits on a patterned coaster, with a blurred background showing a water glass and bronze bottle.

What you’ll love about this recipe:


  • The Perfect Balance –The higher vermouth content creates a more approachable martini that doesn’t overwhelm with alcohol-forward notes.
  • Complex Flavors – The interplay between gin’s botanicals and vermouth’s herbs creates layers of flavor that develop as the cocktail slowly warms.

What You Need to Make a Wet Martini

  • Gin: London Dry style works beautifully here. We recommend Tanqueay, Beefeater, or Plymouth for their strong juniper backbone.
  • Dry Vermouth: Fresh Dolin or Noilly Prat are our go-to choices. Always store vermouth in the refrigerator after opening.
  • Lemon Twist: The oils from a fresh twist add brightness and aroma.

How to Make a Wet Martini

  1. Fill your mixing glass with fresh, clean ice.
  2. Pour 2 ounces of gin and 1 ounce of dry vermouth over the ice.
  3. Stir gently for 30-45 seconds until properly chilled and diluted.
  4. Strain into a well-chilled coupe or martini glass.
  5. Express the oils from your lemon twist over the drink and garnish.

Expert Recipe Tips


  • Tip 1: Always use fresh vermouth – it should never be older than 3 months.
  • Tip 2: The quality of your ice matters immensely. Use clean, fresh ice from filtered water. Trust us, you can taste ‘stale’ ice.
  • Tip 3: Don’t skip the stirring time – proper dilution is key to releasing the spirits’ flavors.
A wet martini cocktail with a lemon twist sits on a marble table alongside a vase of dried grasses, a brass ice bucket, and a vintage-style strainer.

How to Serve This Wet Martini

Serve in a properly chilled coupe or martini glass. The cocktail should be crystal clear and very cold. Consider serving with a small dish of olives on the side for those who prefer them to the lemon twist.

More Cocktail Recipes

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Classic Wet Martini Recipe

Our wet martini recipe achieves the perfect balance between premium gin and fresh vermouth for a sophisticated, smooth cocktail. This classic recipe delivers consistent results with expert tips for proper dilution and garnishing.
Print Recipe
A wet martini cocktail garnished with a lemon twist sits on a decorative coaster on a marble surface, with a blurred glass in the background.
Prep Time:5 minutes
Total Time:5 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 oz gin
  • 1 oz dry vermouth
  • Lemon twist for garnish

Instructions

  • Add the gin and vermouth to a mixing glass and add ice.
  • Stir until chilled.
  • Strain into a coupe/martini glass and garnish.

Video

Servings: 1 cocktail
Author: Kita

Recipe FAQs

Why is it called a wet martini?

The term “wet” refers to the higher proportion of vermouth compared to a dry martini, which uses very little vermouth.

Can I use vodka instead of gin?

While you can make a wet vodka martini, we recommend gin for its botanical complexity that pairs beautifully with vermouth if you want to make a proper wet martini.

How long will my vermouth stay fresh?

Once opened, vermouth should be refrigerated and used within 3 months for optimal flavor.

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