Dry Martini: History, Recipe and Secrets of the Most Elegant Cocktail
- ricardobargunog
- Apr 14
- 3 min read
Updated: 7 days ago
The Dry Martini is an iconic cocktail, a symbol of elegance and sophistication. Its image is linked to the most exclusive bars in the world and to legendary characters from film and literature, such as James Bond. With a history full of mystery and debates about its origin, the Dry Martini remains a benchmark in classic cocktail making.
In this article, we will explore the origin of this cocktail, its traditional recipe, the most famous variations and answer some of the most frequently asked questions about the Dry Martini.
Origin of the Dry Martini: Who invented it?
The exact origin of the Dry Martini is uncertain. There are several theories about its creation:
The "Martinez" in California: One of the most accepted versions says that it was born in the city of Martinez, California, in the 1860s. A bartender prepared a cocktail with gin, vermouth and a few drops of bitters for a traveler celebrating a stroke of luck during the gold rush.
Jerry Thomas, the pioneer: Another theory attributes the recipe to Jerry Thomas, a New York bartender who popularized a similar drink in 1887.
New York and London: At the beginning of the 20th century, bars in New York and London began to perfect the recipe, reducing the amount of vermouth and giving rise to the Dry Martini we know today.
Whatever its true origin, the Dry Martini has endured as a symbol of class and refinement.
Dry Martini Ingredients and Measurements
The key to a great Dry Martini is the quality of the ingredients and the precision of the measurements. Here is the classic recipe:
Dry Martini Classic Recipe
Ingredients
60 ml dry gin (we recommend 100&NOMORE/Sichuan)
10 ml dry vermouth
Ice
1 green olive or a lemon twist
Preparation
Chill a Martini glass by placing it in the freezer or filling it with ice.
In a mixing glass, add plenty of ice and pour in the dry vermouth.
Gently stir and then drain off the excess vermouth, leaving only a light film in the glass.
Add the gin and stir gently with a long spoon for about 30 seconds.
Strain the mixture into the chilled glass.
Garnish with a green olive or a lemon twist.
Tip: For an extra touch of elegance, rub the rim of the glass with lemon peel before serving.
What is the difference between a dry and a dirty Martini?
Dry Martini: This contains very little vermouth. The less vermouth it has, the “drier” it will be. Some drinkers ask for an“'Extra Dry Martini',” which means adding just a few drops or even rinsing the glass with vermouth before discarding it.
Dirty Martini: A bit of olive brine is added, giving it a salty, cloudy taste. This is a very popular variation among those looking for a stronger, saltier kick.
The James Bond Cocktail: The Vesper Martini
James Bond's signature cocktail is the legendary Vesper Martini, which appears in Ian Fleming's novel Casino Royale.
Vesper Martini Recipe
Ingredients
60 ml gin
15 ml vodka
7.5 ml Lillet Blanc or dry vermouth
Lemon twist
Preparation
Shake all ingredients with ice in a cocktail shaker.
Strain into a chilled Martini glass.
Garnish with a lemon twist.
How does James Bond order a Martini?
James Bond's most famous quote is:
"Shaken, not stirred."
Traditionally, the Dry Martini is made by stirring it in a mixing glass to avoid diluting it too much. However, Bond orders it shaken in a cocktail shaker, which changes the texture and temperature of the cocktail.
This detail has become a hallmark of the character, although many bartenders prefer the classic version, as shaking the Martini can affect its clarity and smoothness.
Dry Martini Variations
The Dry Martini has inspired multiple variations, some more classic and others more creative.
Dry Martini with vodka: Gin is replaced by vodka, giving a more neutral and less herbal flavor.
Dirty Martini: Olive brine is added, giving it a salty and more intense touch.
Gibson Martini: Garnish with an onion instead of an olive.
Perfect Martini: Uses equal parts dry vermouth and sweet vermouth.
The Dry Martini in popular culture
The Dry Martini is not only James Bond's cocktail, but has been immortalized by numerous figures in film and literature. Celebrities such as Ernest Hemingway, Humphrey Bogart and Winston Churchill were known for their love of this cocktail.
In addition, films such as Casablanca and Mad Men have kept its legend alive.
Conclusion
The Dry Martini is much more than just a cocktail; it is a symbol of sophistication and good taste. Whether with gin or vodka, dry or dirty, each version has its charm and personality.
If you want to experience the authentic pleasure of a Dry Martini, follow our recipe, try different variations and, above all, enjoy every sip in style.
Cheers! 🍸
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