Martini Recipe

Chill

Place a coupe or martini glass in the freezer for at least 5 minutes or fill it with ice water while you assemble the drink to chill it.

Choose method

Decide whether to stir (for a clearer, smoother Martini) or shake (colder, slightly more aerated). For a classic feel use gin and stir; for a brighter, colder drink use vodka and shake.

Combine ingredients

In a mixing glass (if stirring) or cocktail shaker (if shaking), add 6 ice cubes, 2.5 oz gin or vodka, 0.5 oz dry vermouth, and 0.25 oz butterscotch schnapps.

Stir or shake

If stirring: use a bar spoon and stir for 20–30 seconds until well chilled and slightly diluted. If shaking: cap the shaker and shake vigorously for 10–15 seconds until the outside of the shaker feels very cold.

Rinse option (alternate)

If you prefer a lighter vermouth presence, rinse the chilled glass with the 0.5 oz dry vermouth (swirl and discard excess) before adding the mixed gin/vodka and butterscotch schnapps to the glass.

If you chilled the glass with ice water, dump it out. Strain the mixed cocktail into the chilled martini glass using a julep strainer or the shaker tin's built-in strainer.

Express oils: hold a lemon or orange peel over the drink and give it a sharp twist to release citrus oils across the surface, then rub the peel on the glass rim and drop it in or discard.

Alternatively, garnish with a single green olive on a cocktail pick or a lemon twist. Serve immediately.