beefeater gin martini cocktail aspect ratio 16 9

How to order a gin martini in a bar

A gin martini is one of those iconic drinks that both timeless and sophisticated. But how do you take it? Dry or wet, shaken or stirred, dirty or with a twist?

 

Whether you’re at a classy cocktail bar or your local pub, ordering a gin martini can feel like a bit of an art form if you want to get it just right. But don’t worry—it isn’t as complicated as it might seem. 

 

Once you know the basics, you can confidently ask for your perfect serve. Learn how to order a gin martini, without feeling overwhelmed, in our ultimate guide.

Getting the ratio right

When you’re ordering a gin martini, one of the first things to think about is the ratio of gin to vermouth. 

The classic martini recipe typically calls for a 4:1 ratio of gin to vermouth. But depending on your preference, you might want to tweak this. If you like a little more vermouth, you can order a wet martini, which includes a higher vermouth-to-gin ratio. 

If you’re more into the bold flavours of the gin, go for a dry martini with less vermouth. And for those who want the lightest touch of vermouth, an extra dry martini is the way to go—this version usually just washes the glass with vermouth or adds a tiny splash.

At Beefeater, we recommend a 50ml serve of Beefeater London Dry Gin with 5ml of dry vermouth. It’s a simple, classic serve, but feel free to adjust the ratio to suit your taste.

beefeaterdry martini 4x5 g aspect ratio 4 4

Shaken or stirred?

Next up is how you want your gin martini blended. You’ve probably heard the famous James Bond line, “shaken, not stirred,” but what’s the difference? 

A shaken martini adds a bit more air and can make the drink appear cloudier, while cracking the ice a bit more, which some prefer for a colder, slightly diluted martini. 

On the other hand, a stirred martini is more traditional and keeps the texture smooth and silky. It’s the go-to choice for those who love the purity of their gin.

If you want the ultimate clean drink, ask for your martini naked—this means there’s no ice or shaking involved, and the drink is as crisp as can be.

How to serve

Presentation is everything when it comes to a gin martini. The most common way to enjoy this cocktail is straight up, meaning it’s chilled with ice but served in a glass without the ice itself. This method lets the flavours shine while giving you a perfectly cold drink.

If you want a simpler version, you can order your martini neat, which means it’s served at room temperature with no ice involved at all. On the flip side, if you prefer your drink to stay cold throughout, you can order your gin martini on the rocks—served over ice in a tumbler, which keeps it chilled to the last sip.

 

Choosing your garnish

Garnishes are a fun way to customise your gin martini, and there are several ways to go about it. A dirty martini adds a splash of olive brine or juice into the mix, giving the drink a savoury twist. If you’re an olive fan, this is definitely worth trying—especially when paired with the bold flavours of Beefeater London Dry Gin.

 

If you prefer to keep it simple, ask for a clean martini, which is served without any garnish, allowing the pure gin and vermouth flavours to stand alone. Or, for a zesty option, order a martini with a twist. This means a lemon twist garnish is added, infusing your drink with a refreshing citrus note that can brighten up the overall flavour profile.

beefeater crown jewel ultimate martini cocktail aspect ratio 4 4

Picking the right gin

When it comes to selecting the gin for your martini, Beefeater London Dry Gin is a classic choice that never disappoints. Its balanced botanical notes enhance the martini experience, providing a robust foundation that pairs beautifully with vermouth. 

 

But if you’re in the mood for something a bit more adventurous, consider trying Beefeater 24 for added botanical complexity or Beefeater Crown Jewel for the ultimate luxurious martini with grapefruit undertones.

 

You can even enjoy a martini mocktail with Beefeater 0.0, our alcohol-free gin with the same exceptional taste as London Dry. Take a look at our non-alcoholic martini recipes.

So to summarise: to order a martini, you’ll need to specify the spirit (gin or vodka), dryness (vermouth level), and your garnish “dirty” (olive brine) or “with a twist” (lemon peel). A classic order is: “[Gin/Vodka] Martini, [Dry/Extra Dry, Stirred/Shaken, Twist/Olive]”.

Enjoy the Martini experience

Now that you have a grasp of the basics, you might be curious about the different types of martinis available. The gin martini has inspired numerous variations, each bringing its own unique twist to the classic recipe. 

From the Martinez to the Gibson, there’s plenty to explore! If you’re looking for more inspiration, check out our guide on martini cocktail variations to expand your cocktail repertoire.

For your next order, consider trying the Beefeater Gin Martini for a timeless take on the classic, or opt for a Dirty Martini if you’re in the mood for something savoury. Feeling a little fruity? The Grapefruit Martini adds a zesty twist that’s perfect for a warm evening or a special occasion.

Armed with this knowledge, you can confidently order a gin martini that’s just right for you. Whether you prefer it shaken or stirred, wet or dry, with a twist or a splash of brine, there’s no wrong way to enjoy this iconic cocktail. 

So, the next time you find yourself at a bar, don’t hesitate to ask for your perfect gin martini. Cheers to sipping in style!

Blood Orange Martini cocktail recipe - Beefeater Gin

Gin Cocktails

Blood Orange Martini

Beginner Cocktails

Bitter Cocktails

beefeaterdry martini 1x1 f aspect ratio 700 700

Gin Cocktails

Beefeater Gin Martini

Beginner Cocktails

Bitter Cocktails

beefeater dirty gin martini cocktail recipe aspect ratio 735 735

Gin Cocktails

Gin Dirty Martini

Beginner Cocktails

Bitter Cocktails

Savoury Cocktails

READ THIS
NEXT

Party Cocktails

RECIPES HERE

Classic Cocktails

RECIPES HERE