Vodka Martini Cocktail
A vodka martini is a classic cocktail and easy to make with just vodka, dry vermouth, and ice. Serve in a chilled martini glass and garnish with olives or a lemon twist for an elegant cocktail at home.
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Recipe Summary
James Bond loves vodka martinis and we do too! Sometimes you just can't beat a classic, and an elegant, refreshing vodka martini is certainly a classic.
What's In a Vodka Martini?
Vodka martini ingredients are really simple. You'll just need these three ingredients:
Vodka
Of course, you'll need vodka. Choose your favorite brand.
Dry Vermouth
Use dry vermouth for a floral and tart flavor.
Olives
Try Castelvetrano olives or Spanish olives — or any other green olive you like.
What Makes a Vodka Martini Dirty?
A dirty martini means the cocktail contains olive brine (in addition to the olive garnish). This martini is not dirty, but you could easily make it dirty by adding half an ounce of olive brine.
How to Make a Vodka Martini
Contrary to what 007 says, vodka martinis are actually meant to be stirred, not shaken. Here's how to make one:
Combine Vodka and Vermouth
Combine the vodka and dry vermouth in a mixing glass with ice. Stir until chilled, then strain into a chilled martini glass.
Garnish
Top the cocktail with as many olives as you like (threaded onto a toothpick).
Allrecipes Community Tips and Praise
"Perfect, simple vodka martini recipe. First time martini drinker (my wife) liked it. Use a high quality vodka - I used Russian Standard Platinum. Easy, tastes great," says Tacketts Mill Farm.
"This is the perfect vodka martini. There are lots of variations on the ratios of vermouth to vodka, but I've found I like this best. Especially with Grey Goose Citron vodka. Yum," raves W Adkisson.
"Both my husband and I have never had a martini before so we really do not know what if it compares to anything but we really like it. I am not a fan of green olives but in this drink they are the bomb. My husband likes his dirty with a bit of olive juice and I like mine neat. Either way this is a great recipe," according to Pilar Williams.
Editorial contributions by Bailey Fink
Ingredients
Directions
Tips
If you prefer, you can garnish your vodka martini with a lemon twist instead of olives.