A martini is defined primarily as a cocktail made with gin and dry vermouth, garnished typically with either a green olive or a lemon twist. The classic martini is stirred with ice and strained into a chilled cocktail glass. A common ratio for the drink is around 2:1 gin to vermouth, though this ratio can vary from 2:1 up to as dry as 15:1, depending on taste. A vodka martini is a variation that uses vodka instead of gin but still includes vermouth. The presence of vermouth is essential to classify the drink as a martini, distinguishing it from simply a spirit served neat.
Key components that make a martini a martini:
- Base Spirit : Traditionally gin; vodka is an accepted variation.
- Vermouth : Usually dry vermouth, a fortified wine with herbs.
- Ratio : Typically between 2:1 and 15:1 of gin (or vodka) to vermouth.
- Preparation : Stirred with ice (sometimes shaken) and strained.
- Garnish : Green olive or lemon twist is classic.
- Glassware : Served in a chilled stemmed cocktail glass (martini glass).
Variations and Terminology:
- Dry Martini : Less vermouth.
- Extra Dry Martini : Very little or almost no vermouth.
- Dirty Martini : Includes olive brine for a saltier, cloudier version.
- Perfect Martini : Made with equal parts dry and sweet vermouth.
The martini's identity is somewhat flexible, but vermouth is generally regarded as a defining ingredient alongside the base spirit.