Vodka Martini

The VODKA MARTINI is a standard that displaced the traditional gin martini. It was made more famous in the sixties of course by Ian Fleming’s James Bond — “shaken, not stirred.” It’s simple to make, but delicate to the drinker’s taste. Most are customized to the customer’s vodka choice and amount of dry vermouth used. “Extra dry” is usually a request for just a hint of vermouth via a splash, while no extra dry request might mean 3/4 oz of dry vermouth (1 pony) per 3 oz. vodka (2 jiggers).

Required: Vodka, extra dry vermouth, green pimento martini olives

• 3 oz. (2 jiggers) vodka
• 3/4 oz. (1 pony) dry vermouth
• 2-3 green pimento martini olives (other garnishes include lemon peel or cocktail onions)

Fill a shaker with ice. Pour 3/4 oz. dry vermouth into shaker. Shake it in order to thoroughly distribute the shaker with vermouth. Pour excess vermouth out through a strainer for an extra dry martini; leave vermouth in for a standard formula martini. Add 3 oz. (2 jiggers) of vodka. Shake vigorously for 5-10 seconds. Strain into a martini glass (pre-chilled is ideal) and serve with green pimento martini olives or lemon peel. Usually it’s served straight up, although some might like ice.

Tip: There is no disguising a bad vodka in a martini. So use the best you have.

Date of origin: Approximately 1904 for the gin martini and about 1934 for vodka martini.

Movie/TV Character Signature Drink: James Bond

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