A Martini is a classic cocktail made with gin (or vodka) and dry vermouth. It is known for its elegance and simplicity. The drink is typically stirred with ice and strained into a chilled glass. Garnish options include a lemon twist or olive. Variations include the dirty Martini with olive brine or a cocktail onion.
A general recipe for a classic gin Martini:
2 1/2 ounces (75 ml) gin
1/2 ounce (15 ml) dry vermouth
Ice cubes
Lemon twist or olive for garnish (optional)
Some people prefer their Martinis "dry," which means using less vermouth, while others prefer them "wet" with a higher proportion of vermouth. The ratios can be adjusted according to personal taste.
It's worth mentioning that the Martini is a versatile cocktail, and there are numerous variations and interpretations. Some common variations include the dirty Martini (with a splash of olive brine), the Gibson (garnished with a cocktail onion), or the Vesper Martini (made famous by James Bond, combining gin, vodka, and Lillet Blanc).