How to Order and Make a Martini - BEST Dirty Martini Recipe! (2024)

Here is everything you need to know about martinis, from how to order a martini out, to what’s in it, and the best dirty martini recipe.

One of the first co*cktails I ever ordered in my early 20s was a dirty martini. My girlfriend and I would sit at an outdoor table sipping our martinis, chatting and nibbling olives.

The martini is one of the most classic co*cktails I can think of. My grandmother’s 1930’s Old Mr. Boston Bartender’s Guide includes several iterations.

If you’re like me and don’t like sweet co*cktails, a classic or dirty martini may be your new favorite. Keep reading for all the details and my favorite dirty martini recipe.

How to Order a Martini

If you’d like to order a martini in a restaurant, there are a few things to know. The server may ask if you’d like gin or vodka and if you have a brand preference.

They may also want to know if you like a “dirty martini.” The last time I ordered a martini, the bartender even asked “how dirty would you like it?”

When ordering a martini out, you first need to decide if you want a shaken or stirred drink. If you’re not sure, ask your bartender which they recommend.

Shaken co*cktails are generally lighter and more refreshing since they are diluted by ice, while stirred co*cktails are denser and more flavorful.

Wet vs Dry Martini

If you’re ordering a dirty martini, you’ll also need to decide if you want it “dry” or “wet”.

Dry martinis are made with little to no vermouth, while wet martinis have more vermouth. Vermouth is lower in alcohol than gin or vodka, so know that if you order a dry martini, it will be very strong.

What’s in a Martini

1. Gin: Gin is a grain-based spirit infused with botanicals and juniper berries. It’s the main ingredient in classic martinis, but many people prefer vodka instead.
2. Vermouth: Martinis are often made with dry vermouth, but sweet vermouth can also be used.
3. Ice: Martinis need to be served ice cold. This is achieved by shaking with ice. If you don’t want your martini diluted at all, you can use very cold ingredients and a chilled glass instead.
4. Garnish: Traditional garnishes include lemon peel, co*cktail onions, or olives.

What is Vermouth?

Vermouth is a fortified wine that is added to co*cktails for flavor. You can find this in the wine or co*cktail section of many grocery stores.

While it’s most often used for co*cktails, dry vermouth can also be enjoyed as an aperitif and goes well with pesto, creamy cheeses, and vegetables.

There are different types of vermouth, so be sure to check which one you’re buying. For martinis, you’ll want a dry white vermouth, as opposed to a sweet red, which one would use for a Negroni co*cktail.

Like other white wines, vermouth needs to be refrigerated once opened. It should last for about a month in the fridge.

What is a Dirty Martini?

A dirty martini is a martini that has been “dirtied” with olive juice. It’s up to you how dirty to make it. I like mine pretty dirty, with lots of olive juice.

There are several types of olives you can use but they should be pitted green olives. I love these Garlic or Jalapeno Stuffed Martini Olives from Delallo.

How to Make a Martini

While James Bond certainly has made this co*cktail seem sophisticated, it’s very easy to make at home.

Simply shake your gin or vodka and dry white vermouth together with ice in a shaker and pour into a martini glass or couple like I’ve used here.

What to Serve with Martinis at Home

• Sweet Potato Crostini
• Hummus Crostini
• Homemade Hummus and Crudite