How To: Make a Martini

The martini is perhaps the classic cocktail―and making one is probably simpler than you think. Just follow the quick steps in this video.

• cocktail shaker, ice, gin (or vodka), dry vermouth, cocktail strainer, martini glass, olive or lemon twist

1. Fill shaker with ice
   Fill it halfway. Chipped ice is best, since it cools the drink faster than cubes.
2. Add gin
   Add 2 1/2 ounces gin (or, if you prefer, vodka). If you don’t have a 1-ounce shot glass, measure a little more than 1/4 cup.
3. Add a splash of dry vermouth
   The less you add, the drier your martini will be.
4. Stir or shake
   This blends the flavors, and the ice dilutes the alcohol a little.
   
   Tip: If you’re making a big batch of martinis, aim for a gin-to-vermouth ratio between 5-to-1 and 8-to-1 (if you like your martinis very dry).
5. Pour and add a garnish
   Place the strainer on top of your shaker, and pour martini into glass. Garnish with an olive or a twist of lemon.