Classic Wet Martini Recipe

This classic wet martini is one of those drinks that looks fancier than it is. Just dry gin, vermouth, and olives — done right, it’s cold, sharp, smooth. No shaking, no mess. Takes about a minute and honestly feels like a hole vibe, even if you’re still in yesterday’s socks.

Ingredients Needed

For the Drink:

• 60ml Bombay Sapphire dry gin
• 15ml Martini Riserva Speciale Ambrato Vermouth di Torino

For Assembling:

• 2 small green olives
• Ice (optional for chilling glass or pre-stirring, but not in the glass itself)

How To Make Classic Wet Martini

1. Chill the Glass: Pop your coupette or martini glass in the freezer for 5 mins if you remember. If not, a few ice cubes and water while you prep works too.
2. Stir the Drink: In a mixing glass or jug, add gin and vermouth. Add a handful of ice and stir — don’t shake. Stir gently for 30 seconds. You want it cold, not diluted.
3. Strain & Serve: Strain into your chilled glass. No ice in the final drink. That’s key.
4. Garnish with Olives: Skewer two small green olives on a cocktail stick. Drop them in or lay across the rim — either way, they make it.

Why I Love This Recipe

This one’s ritual for me. End of a long day, lights low, maybe some old jazz in the background — just makes you slow down. The vermouth softens the gin, the olives add that little bite… It’s one of those drinks that feels like grown-up peace and quiet. Also — minimal cleanup. Huge bonus.

Recipe Tips

• Use good gin. It’s the main flavour, no hiding.
• Don’t over-stir — about 30 seconds is enough.
• Keep vermouth cold. It spoils fast if left open on the counter.
• Chill the glass if you can. Changes the whole texture.
• Use small green olives, briney ones — not stuffed or sweet.
• For a very wet martini, do 2:1 ratio (30ml vermouth).
• Don’t skip the stir — shaking bruises gin, makes it cloudy.

How To Store Classic Wet Martini

• At Room Temperature: Nope. Always chill it.
• In the Fridge: You can pre-mix gin and vermouth and store in a bottle. Shake before serving. Keeps 3–4 days max.
• In the Freezer: Some folks freeze pre-mixed martinis. Works, but they get very strong. Use with caution.
• Reheating: No. This is not that kind of drink.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: ~190 kcal
• Carbs: 1g
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Sugar: 0g
• Fibre: 0g
• Sodium: 60mg

Let’s Answer a Few Questions!

• Q: What’s the difference between a wet and dry martini?
  A: A wet martini uses more vermouth. Dry = less vermouth, sometimes just rinsed.
• Q: Can I use vodka instead of gin?
  A: Sure, but then it’s a vodka martini — different flavour, cleaner, less herbal.
• Q: Is Ambrato vermouth necessary?
  A: Not necessary, but it’s floral and rich. You can use dry white vermouth as a backup.
• Q: Shaken or stirred?
  A: Stirred. Always. Keeps it silky instead of cloudy.