Martini with a Twist Recipe (2024)

If there’s any co*cktail to master, it’s the Martini With a Twist. So we’re showing you how to properly make the classic iconic co*cktail…

The martini may only require a few ingredients.

But don’t be fooled by its simplicity because one of the greatest things about a martini is that it is highly customizable.

From choosing to make it with vodka or gin, to the choice of vermouth, and the optional bitters and garnishes that can be added to amp up the aromas and flavors, you can get different variations on the same co*cktail.

Knowing your ingredients and the right technique will get you the perfect martini every time!

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Table of Contents

What is a Martini With a Twist?

Its name, Martini With a Twist is literally what the co*cktail is. It’s a martini garnished with a lemon (or citrus) peel twist.

The classic martini consists only of two main ingredients: vodka or gin and vermouth. And typically optional ingredients like bitters and olives or citrus peels are used for garnish.

This twist can be lime, orange, or the classic choice, a lemon peel.

Vodka or Gin for the Perfect Martini?

The most classic co*cktail experts will always choose gin since it was how it was originally made.

But even from time to time, James Bond opted for vodka as the liquor of choice for his martinis.

Gin martinis usually showcase a wider array of aromas and flavors while vodka-based martinis boast a smoother cleaner taste that can accentuate the aromatic details of the vermouth.

Whether you choose vodka or gin, both are good options and all based on preference.

If you don’t know which one to choose, our advice is to try both so you can properly decide!

Nonetheless, if you’re looking for a co*cktail that brings the perfect balance between sweet and sour, with a touch of citrus from limes and minty freshness, this Simple Martini Royale co*cktail Recipe may be the best choice for you.

Should you Shake or Stir the Martini?

007 may have always ordered his martinis“shaken, not stirred”. But both methods are correct.

The purpose of shaking or stirring your co*cktail is to chill, mix and dilute the drink.

If making a gin martini, we recommend stirring the co*cktail instead of shaking it. Shaking can “bruise” the botanics of the gin, which are very subtle and delicate. And thus result in a bland co*cktail.

However, vodka martinis don’t have this problem. So it’s up to you whether you want to stir or shake your vodka martini.

co*cktails that call for juices, fruit purees, egg whites, etc. need to be strongly mixed and blended.

But since the classic martini only integrates spirits, you don’t need to be extra strong when it comes to mixing the different liquids.

If you decide to stir the co*cktail, make sure to do it properly for a minute, so it can be properly chilled.

James Bond probably asked for“shaken and not stirred”to get a very chilled martini that’s a bit watered down.

What is a Dirty, Dry, or Wet Martini?

A dirty martini is made using olive brine as one of its ingredients (as well as an olive or two as garnish). Therefore, since the brine isn’t clear, the final co*cktail results in a foggy “dirty” appearance.

Olive brine adds a nice salty touch. And if you’re feeling adventurous, check our Pickle Martini for the ultimate “dirty martini”.

A dry martini on the other hand is a martini with less vermouth. It’s only one part vermouth and 3-6 parts gin or vodka (depending on how strong and long you want your martini).

You can also make it “extra dry” with only a splash of vermouth.

On the other hand, a wet martini consists of a higher amount of vermouth. So the ratio is 1-1 (equal parts vermouth and gin or vodka).

This traditional dirty chai latte for a perfectly creepy Halloween co*cktail is another dirty co*cktail that you can’t go too wrong with its deliciousness!

What Ingredients Go Into the Martini With a Twist?

Gin or Vodka— The main liquor. (Our choice for today was vodka as seen in the photos.)

Vermouth — Always choose white dry vermouth. (We used a Martini Extra Dry.)

Orange bitters — A delicious and fragrant variation of co*cktail bitters made from orange peels, sugars, and spices like coriander, anise, and cardamom.

Orange bitters can be omitted if you don’t have any on hand. But if you do, a dash of orange bitters always elevates a martini.

Useful Equipment to Make the Martini With a Twist

Martini glass — The iconic V-shaped glass. If you don’t have the classic martini glasses, serve in a rock or old-fashioned glass.

co*cktail shaker — To mix all the ingredients, whetheryou shake or stir your martini.

co*cktail jigger — To measure the amount of each liquid.

Spoon — For the stirred version.Ideal for making a gin martini.

Optional: Lemon zester — To create the lemon twist for garnish if you want a thin strip look.

Optional: Knife — To create a bigger lemon peel twist look.

co*cktail strainer — To get the cleanest, smoothest martini.

For more easy martini recipes, check out a few of our favorites from the archives —

Espresso Martini with Baileys
Italian Martini Spritz
Martini Fiero Recipe
Frozen Cookies and Cream Polka Dot Martini Recipe

Martini With a Twist co*cktail Recipe

Print Recipe

5 from 4 votes

Equipment

Martini glass
co*cktail shaker
co*cktail jigger
co*cktail spoon for the stirred version
Lemon zester optional if you want thin lemon peels
Knife
co*cktail strainer

Ingredients

2 oz vodka
1 oz dry vermouth
2 dash orange bitters
Fresh lemon peel for garnish
Ice

Nutrition

Servings: 1

Calories: 163kcal

Notes

For best results and because martinis are never served with ice, chill your martini glass in advance, preferably for 15-20 minutes at least beforehand.
Only use freshly cut lemon peels since you want the fresh essential oils and aromas from the lemon.

Instructions

In the co*cktail shaker filled with ice, add the vodka, dry vermouth, and orange bitters.
Stir with a co*cktail spoon for around 60 seconds. Or shake for 30 seconds.
Cut the lemon peel twist using the lemon zester to achieve the thin twist look or using the knife for a thicker twist look
Strain the co*cktail into the chilled martini glass.
Squeeze the lemon peel on top of the glass to release the essential oils and aromas.
Add the peel to the brim of your glass as a garnish.

For a thick lemon peel twist:

Mark an oval shape into the lemon peel with a knife.
Cut the lemon peel.
Make a thin slit in the center of the peel diagonally.
Roll the twist into the co*cktail spoon to achieve a more “twist” look.

KEYWORD: martini with a twist

Don’t forget to share your martini with a twist co*cktail with us onInstagramusing the hashtag#sugarandclothloves. We always love seeing all of your creations! Looking for more quick and delicious recipes? You can find them allright herewith a fewdessertsto go along with them.