Making The Ultimate Vodka Martini Is As Simple As 1-2-3

The martini is a classic cocktail, originally made with gin. When bar-goers sought a more balanced and elegant alternative, vodka stepped into the spotlight. Its reputation as the pinnacle of sophistication may intimidate some, but the ultimate vodka martini can be made in three easy steps.

Martini Ingredients

• 2 1/2 oz Vodka
• 1/2 oz Dry Vermouth
• Olives
• Ice

How to Make a Martini

1. Fill a mixing glass with ice and add vodka and dry vermouth.
2. Stir gently until chilled.
3. Strain the mixture into a martini glass and garnish with olives.

Chill your martini glass first by filling it with ice and water. Keeping your glass cool enhances the soft and refreshing qualities of your cocktail. If you like your martini dry, reduce the vermouth to 1/4 ounce. 

Martini Riff

Substitute vodka and dry vermouth with two ounces of vodka, one ounce of gin, and 1/2 ounce of Lillet Blanc. Known as the Vesper martini, this variation was made famous by Ian Fleming's James Bond novels.