There’s something deliciously sexy about the Martini. It’s like it has a life of its own, and everyone has their own favourite way to enjoy this all-time classic cocktail. So much so that on the 19^th of June each year, Martini lovers around the world celebrate Martini Day (as if we needed an excuse!)

To celebrate the gin martini, we have four of our favourite martini variations included below for you to enjoy! We’ve also included a list of questions we are often asked here at Gintonica – so you can brush up on your Martini knowledge. There are lots of ways to enjoy this drink, but one sacred rule is to ALWAYS start with a very cold glass (freezer or chilled with ice – emptied).

So settle in, prepare your drink, take a seat on the sofa and tune into your favourite episode of Mad Men. It’s time to Martini!

Classic Gin Martini

There are few cocktails as simple, dry and iconic as a classic gin martini. Just two ingredients perfectly blended to create a fine balance of personal preference. We love to experiment with different gins, with the vermouth enhancing the botanical and flavour qualities of the gins.

Ingredients

75mls gin

15mls dry vermouth

Garnish with 1 to 3 olives or a lemon twist

Method

Pour ingredients into a shaker filled with ice.

Stir for 30 seconds and strain into a chilled cocktail glass.

Garnish with the olives or lemon twist

Martinez

Thanks to the Martini Whisperer

The Martinez is the granddaddy in the family tree of the Martini. Track down some Old Tom gin and go back in time with this classic that’s enjoying a comeback.

30mls Old Tom gin

30mls sweet vermouth – Try Adelaide Hills Distillery, Maidenii or Regal Rogue 

5mls maraschino liqueur

2 dashes orange bitters

lemon twist garnish

Fill a mixing glass with ice. Add gin, sweet vermouth, maraschino liqueur, and orange bitters. Stir until very cold then strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Twist lemon peel over cocktail to express its oils.

Pink Lady Martini

While there are many variants to a classic Pink Lady, for World Martini Day we are taking it back to basics – a very dry Martini with a touch of pink!

Ingredients

50mls gin

4 dashes of Grenadine

Dash of lemon juice

1 egg white

Maraschino Cherry to garnish

Method

Pour ingredients into a shaker filled with ice.

Shake very well and strain into a chilled cocktail glass.

Garnish with the Maraschino cherry, or an edible flower.

Vesper Martini

It’s the martini cocktail made famous by James Bond in Casino Royale. Ordered over a poker game with very specific instructions, this martini is shaken rather than stirred, which works to slightly dilute an otherwise alcohol heavy cocktail.

While Bond specifically requests Gordon’s Gin, we can vouch for the quality of this cocktail when mixed with other gins – however tradition would suggest a classic London Dry gin style – Australian made of course!

Ingredients

90mls gin

30mls of vodka

15mls of dry vermouth Try Adelaide Hills Distillery or Regal Rogue 

Lemon peel to garnish

Method

Pour ingredients into a shaker filled with ice.

Shake well and strain into a chilled cocktail glass.

Garnish with a large piece of lemon peel.

What’s in a Martini – FAQ’s

Vodka or Gin?

Martini’s can be made with Vodka or Gin (or both). Guess which we prefer?

Which gin should I choose to make my Martini?

The gin we would recommend is of a classic London dry gin style (Australian made). For us it is best with plenty of juniper and not an overdose of complex botanicals. Navy strength adds a real WOW factor. No rules though.

What is Vermouth?

Vermouth is an aromatised wine. Or put more simply – wine flavoured with botanicals. International brands include Cinzano, Martini & Rossi and

Shaken of stirred?

James Bond has a lot to answer for when it comes to this question. All true Martini lovers know the ONLY answer to the question. Stirred, all the way.

Is there Australian vermouth?

Yes! Our pick? Adelaide Hills Distillery and Regal Rogue have a full range and Maidenii for a sweet alternative.

What is a Gibson?

A classic martini served with a pickled onion (generally on a stick!)

Dry, wet or perfect?

Important Martini distinction – dry, wet or perfect. Contrary to popular belief, this definition does not refer to whether a sweet or dry vermouth is used. Instead, it refers to the AMOUNT of vermouth used.  The lesser the amount of vermouth, the drier the Martini is considered to be. Therefore ‘dry’ indicates very little vermouth (very dry: a drop). The cap of the vermouth bottle is often used. A standard martini is 2 parts gin to 1 part vermouth. Dry is 6 parts gin to 1 part vermouth.  ‘Wet’ usually indicates a mix less that 3:1 and even equal parts vermouth and gin. Some think that a ‘perfect’ martini uses equal parts gin and dry vermouth, but that’s a wet martini. A perfect martini is 2 parts gin and 1 part each sweet and dry vermouth.

Do you like it dirty?

If you like your cocktails with more of a savoury twist – then the dirty Martini is for you. It simply means adding more olive brine to the drink (in addition to the typical olive garnish). You can also up the ante on the olive brine by ordering your Martini ‘extra dirty’, now it’s called ‘filthy’.