Gin Martini Cocktail

fr

Gin Martini Cocktail Recipe

Featuring Little Juniper Signature Gin from our Adelaide Hills Distillery

The Little Juniper Signature Gin Gin Martini
 

Some like it wet, some like it dry—but we like it just right. A 5:1 Gin Martini cocktail is the perfect balance of spirit-forward elegance with a whisper of vermouth. It’s crisp, refined, and oh-so-smooth. Stirred, not shaken, please, Mr Bond!

Here's what you'll need:

Ingredients for a Gin Martini Cocktail

How to make a Limoncello Spritz Cocktail

  1. Bring the Chill: Chill your martini glass (pop it in the freezer or fill it with ice).
  2. Build the Base: In a mixing glass, stir gin and vermouth over ice.
  3. Stir: Carefully stir the cocktail for about 30 seconds.
  4. Strain: Strain into your chilled glass.
  5. Garnish: Garnish with a lemon twist for a citrusy lift—or an olive for that briny bite.
  6. Express yourself: If you're feeling fancy, express the lemon oils over the drink before dropping in the lemon twist.

History of the Gin Martini Cocktail

The Gin Martini cocktail is one of the most iconic and sophisticated cocktails in history. Known for its simplicity, elegance, and strong spirit-forward character, the drink has stood the test of time. From Hollywood legends to political leaders, the martini has been the go-to cocktail for those who appreciate refinement and mystery. No other drink embodies sophistication quite like the martini.

The exact origins of the martini are debated, but it likely evolved from the Martinez cocktail, a 19th-century drink made with gin, sweet vermouth, maraschino liqueur, and bitters. The first recorded mention of a martini-like drink appeared in the 1888 Bartender’s Manual by Harry Johnson. By the early 20th century, the modern gin martini took shape, consisting of gin and dry vermouth stirred over ice and served with a garnish. During Prohibition (1920-1933) in the U.S., gin became even more popular, as it was easy to produce illicitly, further cementing the martini’s place in cocktail culture.

By the 1930s and 40s, the gin martini had become the ultimate symbol of sophistication. It was the cocktail of choice for politicians, businessmen, and Hollywood stars, served in high-end bars and clubs. Over time, the ratio of gin to vermouth evolved, with early versions being nearly 50/50, while later versions became drier—sometimes as extreme as 10:1 or even just a "wash" of vermouth.

One of the most famous cultural references to the martini comes from James Bond, the legendary British spy created by Ian Fleming. Bond’s Vesper Martini, introduced in Casino Royale (1953), called for gin, vodka, and Lillet Blanc, setting it apart from the classic gin martini. His signature phrase, "shaken, not stirred," became synonymous with the drink, though traditionalists argue that stirring preserves the martini’s silky texture better than shaking. Despite this, Bond’s endorsement cemented the martini as a symbol of danger, refinement, and effortlessly cool.

Today, the gin martini remains a beloved classic with countless variations. The Classic Dry Martini sticks to gin and vermouth, stirred to perfection. The Dirty Martini adds olive brine for a briny twist, while the Wet Martini increases the vermouth ratio for a softer profile. The Gibson swaps the traditional olive or lemon twist for a pickled onion, offering a unique savoury note. While vodka martinis gained popularity in the late 20th century, gin purists argue that a true martini is always made with gin.

The enduring appeal of the gin martini lies in its simplicity, making it a bartender’s test of skill. Its rich history, cultural significance, and effortless style keep it relevant in modern cocktail culture. A well-made gin martini is more than just a drink—it’s an experience, an expression of taste and refinement that never goes out of style.

Whether you prefer it dry, wet, dirty, or with a twist, the gin martini is a classic worth celebrating. From James Bond to speakeasies, this drink has remained a symbol of elegance for over a century.