Make a Classic Martini Cocktail

The martini is the most recognized mixed drink. James Bond preferred his martinis shaken, not stirred. However, many martini lovers claim that shaking a martini 'bruises' the gin.

Other than James Bond, perhaps the most famous martini drinker was Winston Churchill. He preferred his martinis very dry, and a Churchill Martini is actually just gin in a glass straight.

If you want to learn how to make a classic Martini, you've come to the right place. A classic traditional martini is actually one of the easiest cocktail drinks to make.

2 oz vodka or gin

Splash of dry vermouth- about 1/2 ounce

Stuffed olive and lemon twist for garnishes

Pour ingredients into a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake until cold, at least ten seconds. Strain into a chilled martini cocktail glass. Serve straight up. Chill martini glasses by placing in freezer. Garnish with the stuffed olive and lemon twist.

Remember that the amount of vermouth is what determines how dry the martini becomes. Less vermouth equals a drier martini. To make a truly classic martini, the ingredients must be stirred, not shaken. Also a traditional classic martini is made with gin, not vodka. But most people prefer the taste of a martini made with vodka.