Classic Gin Martini

A crisp, elegant gin martini stirred until ice-cold and finished with olives.

by Samantha Tulett

Published May 22, 2026

RECIPE ↓

5 MINS

EASY

COCKTAIL

About the Drink

A classic gin martini is one of those drinks that proves simple does not mean boring. With just gin, dry vermouth and a good chill over ice, it is sharp, clean and beautifully grown-up.

This is the cocktail side of this week’s Friday Drinks pairing, and it is all about elegance. Serve it in a chilled martini glass or coupe, garnish with olives, and you have the kind of drink that makes Friday night feel instantly more polished.

RECIPE

Classic Gin Martini

by Samantha Tulett | City Slicker

TOTAL TIME

5 MINS

GLASS TYPE

MARTINI

SERVES

1 DRINK

INGREDIENTS

60 ml gin

15 ml dry vermouth

Ice, plenty

Green olives, to garnish

METHOD

Fill a mixing glass or large sturdy glass with ice.

Add the gin and dry vermouth.

Stir for 20 to 30 seconds, or until the outside of the glass feels very cold.

Strain into a chilled martini glass.

Garnish with one or two green olives and serve immediately.

Tips

Chill the glass first. A martini is best served properly cold. Place your glass in the freezer for a few minutes before making the drink, or fill it with ice water while you stir.

Stir, do not shake. Stirring gives the drink a silky, clear finish. Shaking will make it colder faster, but it also clouds the drink and changes the texture.

Use a gin you actually like. There is nowhere for the gin to hide in a martini. Choose one with a botanical profile you enjoy.

Adjust the vermouth to taste. This version is dry but still balanced. For a drier martini, reduce the vermouth slightly. For a softer, rounder drink, add a little more.

Olives matter. A good olive gives the drink that savoury, briny finish. Use firm green olives and avoid anything that tastes dull or overly salty.

Nutritional Information

Serves 1. Approx per serve:

Calories: 165 | Carbs: 1G | Sodium: 40MG (depending on olives)

Hi, I'm Samantha Tulett

I’m the cook, writer, and recipe developer behind City Slicker.

This is my Friday Drinks series, where I share easy, delicious cocktails and mocktails to help you mix up something fun and get the weekend started right.