Ask Cookix, your sous-chef

Classic American Vodka Martini

The Vodka Martini is an American icon of refined simplicity, emerging in the mid-20th century as a sleek alternative to its gin-based predecessor. By spotlighting crystal-clear vodka alongside a whisper of dry vermouth and a dash of aromatic bitters, this cocktail distills mixology to its essence. Originating in New York lounges and private clubs, it quickly became a barometer of a bartender’s skill, demanding impeccable temperature, dilution and balance. The chilled spirit glides across the palate with silky texture, while citrus oils from a fresh lemon twist and the subtle herbal notes of vermouth dance on the finish. Whether sipped at an elegant aperitif hour or as a statement of minimalist elegance, the Vodka Martini’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to marry just a few premium ingredients into an unforgettable sensory experience.

Beverage | American | Dairy-Free | Egg-Free | Gluten-Free | Nut-Free | Shellfish-Free | Soy-Free | Vegan | Vodka Martini | Cocktail Glass | Mixing Glass | Sieve | Dry Vermouth | Lemon | Olive | Vodka | Stirring | Straining | Aperitif | Summer | Under 15 Minutes
Time to complete

Prep

5min

Cook

0 minutes

Wait

5min

Total

10min

Ingredients (Makes 1 cocktail)

Main

  • 2½ ounces (75 ml) vodka
  • ½ ounce (15 ml) dry vermouth
  • 1 dash (≈1 ml) orange bitters

For Garnish

  • Lemon twist
  • Olive (optional)
Nutrition Information (per 100g)
  • Calories: 216 kcal per 100 g
  • Fat: 0 g
  • Protein: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 0 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
Directions

Chill Glass

  • 1. Place a chilled cocktail glass in the freezer for at least 5 minutes or fill it with ice water while you mix.

Mix Cocktail

  • 2. In a mixing glass, combine vodka, dry vermouth and orange bitters. Fill with ice and stir gently for 20–30 seconds until very well chilled.

Serve & Garnish

  • 3. Discard ice or water from the cocktail glass. Strain the chilled mixture into the glass. Express oils from a lemon twist over the surface, then drop it in. Add an olive if desired.
Cookix's Secrets

Bitters

  • Swap orange bitters for aromatic or chocolate bitters to introduce new flavor layers.

Citrus Oils

  • Use a vegetable peeler for a clean, uniform lemon twist and lightly torch it for a smoky aroma.

Dirty Martini

  • Add ½ ounce (15 ml) olive brine to the mixing glass and garnish with two olives for a savory twist.

Gibson Style

  • Replace the lemon twist with three cocktail onions for a crisp Gibson variation.

Gin Martini

  • Substitute gin for vodka to explore the botanical depth of a classic Gin Martini profile.

Glassware

  • Always use a properly chilled glass to maintain the Martini’s silky texture longer.

Herbal Infusion

  • Infuse the vermouth with fresh rosemary or thyme for 12 hours prior to mixing to deepen herbal complexity.

Spicy Edge

  • Drop in a small slice of jalapeño or swap in chili bitters for a subtle peppery kick.

Stirring

  • Stir with a long bar spoon in smooth, slow circles to control dilution and temperature.

Vermouth Balance

  • Experiment with a slightly wetter ratio (3:1 vodka to vermouth) for a more pronounced herbal note.