About the Dry Martini cocktail

The Dry Martini is one of the most iconic cocktails ever created, a symbol of sophistication, mystery, and minimalism.

Its origins are murky, with competing claims from San Francisco and New York. Some say it evolved from the 19th-century Martinez, a sweeter gin-based drink. Others argue it gained popularity during Prohibition, when dry gin was easier to come by than aged spirits.

Wherever it came from, the Dry Martini quickly became the drink of choice for everyone from literary elites to silver-screen spies.

Why the Martini Still Reigns Supreme

The Dry Martini cocktail recipe is all about precision and personal preference.

It typically features dry gin and dry vermouth in a ratio that ranges from 2:1 to as little as 6:1 or even 15:1 - depending on how "dry" you like it. A lemon twist or olive garnish adds that final flourish of class.

The drink is clean, crisp, and assertive. It’s not meant to be sweet or complicated - just cold, balanced, and potent.

Customizations, Variants, and Ideal Pairings

There are countless riffs on the Dry Martini:

• Use vodka instead of gin for a Vodka Martini

• Add a splash of olive brine for a Dirty Martini

• Try orange bitters or a dash of saline for depth

• Garnish with a pickled onion for a Gibson

The Martini is a natural match for salty and umami-rich bites. Think oysters, olives, caviar, smoked salmon, or aged cheese. The drink’s dryness makes it ideal before dinner. It wakes up the palate without overwhelming it.

Why the Martini Is Still a Statement

The Dry Martini is more than just a drink. 

Elegant, elemental, and endlessly customizable, it remains the gold standard for the confident drinker who knows what they like.