The Gin Martini is a cornerstone of British-influenced cocktail culture with roots in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and longstanding debate over ratios and garnish; what matters is the clean interplay between a quality gin and just a whisper of dry vermouth. A great version is crisp, cold, and balanced—proper chilling, measured spirits, and adequate stirring produce the bright aromatics and silky mouthfeel that define the classic. In Buffalo our store bartenders recommend tasting the vermouth level first and adjusting a half-ounce or less to suit your palate, then keeping your glassware and gin icy for the best result.
Ingredients
| 2 ½ oz | London dry gin |
| ½ oz | dry vermouth |
| 1 cup | ice (for stirring) |
| 1 dash | lemon twist or 1–2 green olives (garnish) |
Instructions
- Chill a martini glass in the freezer or fill it with ice and cold water to cool while you prepare the drink
- Add the gin, dry vermouth, and plenty of ice to a mixing glass
- Stir gently and steadily until the mixture is very cold and slightly diluted, about 30 to 45 seconds
- Discard ice or water from the chilled martini glass and strain the stirred mixture into the glass
- Express a lemon twist over the surface and drop it in or skewer 1–2 olives and place them in the drink
- Serve immediately while ice-cold and fragrant
Shop the Bottles
Pick up everything you need at Buffalo House Liquor & Wines in Tonawanda, NY — same-day delivery across Buffalo, Kenmore, Williamsville, and surrounding areas, or grab them in-store.
Gin Picks for Martinis
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