Vodka Martini

The Vodka Martini is a sophisticated and iconic cocktail, a variation on the classic Gin Martini that substitutes vodka for gin. This change results in a smoother, cleaner, and more neutral flavor profile, allowing the subtleties of the vermouth and garnish to shine. Whether shaken or stirred, served 'wet' or 'dry,' it's a versatile drink that can be tailored to individual preference. Its minimalist composition of just two key ingredients makes it a true test of a bartender's skill and the quality of the spirits.
Vodka Martini

Preparation

Preparation time: 3 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Vodka Martini is a classic cocktail, celebrated for its simplicity and elegance. It falls into the category of 'all-alcohol' drinks, meaning it contains only alcoholic ingredients without non-alcoholic mixers. It is most commonly served as a pre-dinner aperitif.

Serving

This drink is served straight up in a chilled Martini or coupe glass. It is a potent, cold, and spirit-forward cocktail with a significant alcohol content.
Serving size
Approximately 90-120 ml / 3-4 oz
Alcohol content
Approximately 25-35% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Martini
Glass treatment
Chilled

Backstory

The Vodka Martini's rise to fame is inextricably linked with the fictional spy James Bond, who famously ordered it 'shaken, not stirred'. While the drink existed before the 1950s, often under the name Kangaroo Cocktail, Ian Fleming's novels and the subsequent films catapulted it into global stardom. This association cemented the Vodka Martini's image as a symbol of coolness, sophistication, and mid-century suave.
Origin
United States, circa 1950s. While vodka-based drinks were appearing in the early 20th century, the specific combination known as the Vodka Martini gained prominence in the post-WWII era as vodka's popularity surged in the US.

Vodka Martini

The Vodka Martini is often referred to simply as a Vodkatini. An earlier, though less common, name for the drink is the Kangaroo Cocktail. These names all refer to the same simple, elegant combination of vodka and dry vermouth.
Original name
Vodka Martini
Alternative names
  • Kangaroo Cocktail
  • Vodkatini

Characteristics overview

The Vodka Martini boasts a clean, crisp, and spirit-forward profile with a silky texture and crystal-clear appearance. Its aroma and flavor are subtly influenced by the dry vermouth and the choice of garnish, offering either citrusy or briny notes.
Flavor
Spirit-forward, clean, crisp, dry, herbal, savory, citrusy
Aroma
Neutral spirit, botanical, citrus oil, briny
Taste balance
Bitter, salty
Aftertaste
Clean, short, warming
Fizziness
Still, none
Color appearance
Crystal-clear
Texture
Silky, smooth, crisp
Seasonality
Classic, year-round, refreshing

Flavor intensity & Experience

This is a very strong, non-sweet, and non-carbonated drink with minimal bitterness. Its flavor intensity is high, dominated by the clean taste of vodka, with its primary characteristic being its potent alcohol strength.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

The classic Vodka Martini requires just two core ingredients: a quality vodka and dry vermouth. The final profile is then defined by an optional but essential garnish of either a lemon twist or olives.
  • Vodka60 ml / 2 ounces
    A high-quality, clean vodka is essential for a great martini.
  • Dry Vermouth15 ml / 0.5 ounce
    Adjust quantity to taste for a 'wetter' or 'drier' martini.
  • Lemon Twist or Cocktail Olives1 piece or 1-3 olives(optional)
    The choice of garnish is essential and significantly alters the final taste.

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

To prepare a Vodka Martini, you will need a mixing glass and bar spoon for the traditional stirred version, or a cocktail shaker if you prefer it 'shaken'. A jigger and a strainer are also essential.
  • Mixing glass or Cocktail shaker
  • Jigger or Measuring tool
  • Bar spoon
  • Strainer

Instructions

The process involves chilling the spirits and glass, combining vodka and vermouth with ice, stirring or shaking until cold, and then straining into the prepared glass before adding the garnish.
1. Chill your Martini or coupe glass by filling it with ice and water or placing it in the freezer.
2. Fill a mixing glass (for stirring) or a cocktail shaker (for shaking) with ice cubes.
3. Add vodka and dry vermouth to the mixing glass or shaker.
4. Stir gently for about 20-30 seconds until well-chilled, or shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds if preferred.
5. Discard the ice from your serving glass.
6. Strain the cocktail into the chilled glass.
7. Garnish with a lemon twist or olives before serving.

Garnishing

The garnish is a critical component, with the two classic options being a lemon twist for a bright, citrus aroma, or olives for a savory, briny quality.
  • Lemon Twist: Express the oils from a fresh lemon peel over the drink's surface before dropping it in.
  • Cocktail Olives: Skewer one to three green olives on a cocktail pick and place in the glass.

Dietary Information

The Vodka Martini is generally free from common allergens like dairy, eggs, nuts, and gluten. It is a vegan, caffeine-free, and low-sugar alcoholic beverage.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

A standard Vodka Martini is a low-carbohydrate and low-sugar cocktail. Its caloric content, around 180 kcal, comes almost entirely from the alcohol itself.
Calories
Approximately 180 kcal / 753 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Approximately 1 gram
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Approximately 1 gram
Sugar level

Occasions

The Vodka Martini is a quintessential aperitif, perfect for cocktail hour or before a fine dinner. Its elegant and sophisticated character also makes it an excellent choice for formal events and celebrations.
  • Cocktail Hour
  • Formal Events
  • Pre-dinner Drink
  • Celebrations

Pairing suggestions

The clean, crisp nature of a Vodka Martini pairs exceptionally well with seafood delicacies like oysters, caviar, and smoked salmon. It also complements savory and salty appetizers, making it a versatile pre-dinner drink.
  • Oysters
  • Smoked Salmon
  • Caviar
  • Salty Snacks
  • Steak Tartare

The Vodka Martini: A Clear Icon of Cocktail Culture

The Vodka Martini is a timeless classic, epitomizing elegance and simplicity. A straightforward mix of vodka and dry vermouth, its character is defined by the quality of its ingredients, the preparation method (stirred or shaken), and the choice of garnish. While its gin-based predecessor is the original, the Vodka Martini carved its own iconic status, largely thanks to its association with pop culture. It remains a benchmark cocktail, beloved for its clean, potent, and sophisticated profile.

Similar Cocktails

Dry Martini

Uses gin instead of vodka as the base spirit.

Vesper Martini

A specific recipe from James Bond combining gin, vodka, and Lillet Blanc (or Cocchi Americano).

Gibson

A classic martini (traditionally with gin, but can be made with vodka) garnished with a cocktail onion instead of an olive or twist.

Variations

Dirty Martini

Adds a small amount of olive brine to the mix, making it more savory and cloudy.

Espresso Martini

A completely different drink that shares the 'Martini' name; combines vodka, coffee liqueur, and espresso.

50/50 Martini

Uses equal parts vodka and dry vermouth for a very 'wet' and flavorful version.

Alternative Names

Kangaroo Cocktail

An older name for the Vodka Martini itself, not a variation.

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