Classic Martini Cocktail Recipe: The Ultimate Guide to Crafting the Perfect Martini

The Ultimate Guide to the Martini: Crafting the Perfect Cocktail

Welcome to Shake, Sip, Serve, your one-stop shop for all things bartending.

I’m your host, KAD, and I’ve been slinging drinks and navigating the world of hospitality for over two decades.
The past 15 years, I’ve perfected my bartending skills, experimented with countless flavor combinations, and learning a thing or two about how to keep the party going behind the bar.
Whether you’re a seasoned bartender like me just looking for some fresh inspiration or a complete beginner who is eager to whip up impressive cocktails at home, Shake, Sip, Serve is here to be your guide.

In the below blog, I’ll be sharing my knowledge and experience on everything from classic cocktails and innovative new creations to essential bartending techniques and industry secrets. I’ll also be offering tips on stocking your home bar, mastering the art of presentation, and creating a memorable experience for your guests.

So, grab your shaker, dust off your favorite glassware, and get ready to embark on a delicious journey into the world of bartending!
Let’s Shake, Sip, and Serve up something amazing together.

A Brief History of the Martini

The Martini is more than just a cocktail — it’s a cultural icon. Its story goes back to the mid-1800s, when a drink called the Martinez was first mixed in San Francisco. That recipe, with sweet vermouth, gin, maraschino liqueur, and bitters, laid the foundation for what we know today.

By the early 1900s, bartenders were experimenting with dry vermouth and London Dry gin, creating the sharper, drier Martini that quickly became the drink of choice for the fashionable elite. During Prohibition, gin was cheap and easy to make, pushing the Martini into the spotlight.

From there, it became a symbol of sophistication — immortalised in films, novels, and of course, James Bond’s famous request: “shaken, not stirred.”

Why the Martini Still Reigns Supreme

So what makes the Martini timeless?

Elegance in simplicity → Just two main ingredients, gin (or vodka) and vermouth.
Customisable → Dry, wet, dirty, Gibson, Vesper — the variations are endless.
Cultural status → From Hollywood glamour to the three-Martini lunch era of the 60s.
Perfect aperitif → Crisp, herbal, and refreshing, it prepares the palate for food.

It’s a drink that balances ritual, taste, and style in one glass.

Classic Martini Recipe (Australian-Friendly)

Ingredients:

75 ml gin (London Dry is classic, but explore different styles)
15 ml dry vermouth (adjust to taste — less makes it drier, more makes it softer)
Garnish: olive or lemon twist
Ice

Method:

Chill a Martini glass with ice water.
In a mixing glass filled with ice, add gin and vermouth.
Stir for 20–30 seconds for clarity and smoothness (or shake if you prefer colder and frothier).
Strain into your chilled glass.
Garnish with an olive for savoury depth or a lemon twist for a zesty aroma.

👉 Bartender Tip: Always refrigerate your vermouth after opening. It’s wine-based, and stale vermouth can ruin a Martini.

Popular Martini Variations

Once you’ve mastered the classic, try these twists:

Dirty Martini → Add olive brine for a salty, savoury edge.
Gibson → Garnished with a cocktail onion for sweet-sour sharpness.
Vesper Martini → Gin, vodka, and Lillet Blanc — Bond’s signature order.
50/50 Martini → Equal parts gin and vermouth for a lighter, lower-ABV sip.
Reverse Martini → More vermouth than gin — herbaceous and softer on alcohol.

Each variation proves the Martini is a blank canvas for creativity.

The Ritual Behind the Martini

The Martini isn’t just about what’s in the glass — it’s about how you serve it.

Glassware matters → The iconic V-shaped glass elevates aroma and presentation.
Temperature is everything → Keep glasses, spirits, and ice as cold as possible.
Personal touch → Choose your garnish carefully — it tells your story as the bartender.
Savour, don’t rush → A Martini opens up slowly as it warms, revealing new layers.

This ritual is what separates a rushed drink from a memorable cocktail.

Martini in Culture

The Martini has been more than a cocktail for over a century — it’s a symbol of power, style, and confidence. From Humphrey Bogart to Cary Grant, and of course James Bond, it has long been linked with sophistication.

Today, modern mixologists continue to reinvent it — with craft vermouths, infused gins, and creative garnishes — keeping the Martini as relevant as ever while honouring its heritage.

Thanks for joining us behind the bar!

The bartending community is a vibrant and supportive one, and I’m excited to build that community here on Shake, Sip, Serve. I’d love to hear your thoughts, questions, and experiences in the comments below. What are you shaking up these days? What topics would you like to see covered in future posts? Let’s connect and continue the conversation!
Liquor & Gaming NSW: This website provides information on liquor licensing, responsible service of alcohol (RSA) training, and regulations for serving alcohol in NSW. It’s essential for anyone working in the hospitality industry in NSW. You can find it here: https://www.liquorandgaming.nsw.gov.au/

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Elevate Your Evening: Crafting The Perfect Martini Cocktail Recipe