Very Dry Martini
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Very Dry Martini
Cocktail recipe

Rating

3.51 / 5
The Very Dry Martini is a classic and minimalistic cocktail, revered for its straightforward yet elegant spirit-forward profile. A variation on the traditional martini, this version omits sweet red vermouth, favoring the botanical crispness of gin as the sole spirit, resulting in a more pronounced dryness. It is customarily served in a chilled cocktail glass and often garnished with two olives, contributing a subtle briny counterpoint to the clean taste of the gin. The Very Dry Martini stands as a testament to cocktail purity and is an enduring favorite among enthusiasts who appreciate its potent simplicity.
Check out all our FAQ's on this cocktail
Base ingredient
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Gin
Calories
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175 calories
Garnish
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Olive
Alcohol content
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40% | 3 units *

Tags

Gin ingredient icon
Gin cocktails

Cocktail glass

Ingredients

oz
ml
cl
Gin cocktail ingredient icon for the Very Dry Martini cocktail
Gin
Red vermouth cocktail ingredient icon for the Very Dry Martini cocktail
Red vermouth
Serves:
-
+

Method
How to make a Very Dry Martini

Serves 1 · Takes 3 minutes
Put ice into a mixing glass
Add a dash of dry vermouth to the ice, stir, then strain out and discard
Add gin to ice and stir until chilled
Strain into an ice cold glass, garnish with two olives and serve

Power tips
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Learn more about some of the mixology terms used in this cocktail

·  Dash  ·  Dry  ·  Stir  ·  Strain  ·  Garnish  · 

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FAQ's

Preparation techniques icon

Why is the Very Dry Martini stirred and not shaken?

The Very Dry Martini is stirred instead of shaken to maintain the clarity and silky texture of the drink. Shaking can introduce air bubbles and ice chips, which could make the cocktail appear cloudy and slightly dilute its flavor. Stirring gently over ice cools the drink while keeping it as clear and smooth as the original ingredients.

Garnishing tips icon

What garnish complements a Very Dry Martini?

A traditional garnish for a Very Dry Martini is a single green olive or a twist of lemon peel. The olive adds a slight briny flavor that complements the dryness of the martini, while the lemon twist introduces a bright citrus aroma, enhancing the overall drinking experience.

Ingredient substitutions icon

Can I use a different type of vermouth in a Very Dry Martini?

Yes, while a Very Dry Martini typically uses red (sweet) vermouth in a very small quantity (a dash), you can experiment with dry vermouth for an even drier version or blanc vermouth for a slightly sweeter, yet still dry profile. The key is to use high-quality vermouth because its flavor is crucial to the balance of the cocktail.

Alcohol content comparison icon

How does the alcohol content of a Very Dry Martini compare to other classic cocktails?

The Very Dry Martini has a high alcohol content, around 40%, which is typical for martinis. This is significantly higher than many other classic cocktails such as the Margarita or the Mojito, which usually have alcohol content around 20-30%. This makes the martini a strong, potent drink.

Serving suggestions icon

What is the best temperature to serve a Very Dry Martini?

A Very Dry Martini should be served ice cold. It's best achieved by stirring the ingredients with ice until very cold and then straining the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass. The cold temperature enhances the smoothness and the flavors of the gin and vermouth, making it more refreshing.

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* US units estimated based on the standard alcohol content of the ingredients used and the proportions in the recipe. Please drink responsibly.
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