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Vodka Martini

The Vodka Martini is a very strong vodka spirit-forward cocktail, herbal on the palate. Shaken and served in a cocktail glass.

Flavor profile

Tart
26 out of 100
Herbal
59 out of 100
Boozy
87 out of 100

How to make a Vodka Martini

To make a Vodka Martini, shake with ice and strain into a cocktail glass: 1½ oz vodka and ¾ oz dry vermouth. Garnish with olive.

You'll need

1 drink

Make it dirty. A splash of olive brine turns it into the Dirty Martini. Works with gin or vodka.

Instructions

  1. 1

    Chill a cocktail glass: fill it with ice and water while you mix, then tip it out.

  2. 2

    Add vodka and dry vermouth to a cocktail shaker.

  3. 3

    Fill the shaker with ice.

  4. 4

    Shake hard for 10-15 seconds, until the outside is frosty.

  5. 5

    Strain into the chilled cocktail glass.

  6. 6

    Garnish with an olive.

Why shake? A hard shake chills the drink quickly and blends everything evenly.

Vodka Martini questions

What does a Vodka Martini taste like, and is it sweet?

Not really: it's mostly herbal, with a noticeable alcohol warmth. It's a very strong drink at about 26% ABV once mixed.

How much alcohol is in a Vodka Martini?

About 26% ABV after mixing with ice, close to a neat spirit.

What's the difference between a Vodka Martini and a Dirty Martini?

Both use vodka and dry vermouth. The Dirty Martini uses olive brine. The Vodka Martini is the stronger of the two.

Should a Vodka Martini be shaken or stirred?

Shaken: a hard shake chills and dilutes it quickly.

What glass do you serve a Vodka Martini in?

A cocktail glass.