Before we jump into how to make a vodka martini, I have an important question: Who saw A Simple Favor? I love a good mystery, and double-sign-me-up if it features Blake Lively and Anna Kendrick. I won’t say too much about the movie in case you haven’t seen it, but I thought it was really fun! Aside from being a totally enjoyable thriller/mystery, it also had me craving a martini afterward. 😉 And, I’m all for a classic (gin) martini like the movie features, but if I’m being honest, a vodka martini is a little more my speed.
As you probably already know (but maybe not, idk), a martini is a super simple cocktail. It’s seriously just two ingredients BUT because it is so simple there are a number of small variations and changes that can really impact the final drink. Personally, I love simple cocktails because I enjoy mixing up a drink at home sometimes, and I am by no means as skilled as most bartenders I know—far from it. But, a vodka martini is not only delicious, it’s super easy to make and I almost always have the ingredients on hand.
Personally, I tend to make a vodka martini two ways. One involves some vermouth and a large twist of lemon. The second involves only a vermouth wash, but I’ll add an olive and a little olive juice for a dirty martini. Either way, the number one piece of advice I have for those who enjoy a good vodka martini at home is to keep your vodka in the freezer. Blake Lively’s character does this with gin in the movie and she’s 100% right! This keeps your spirit super cold and ready to make into a martini in a second’s notice. 😉
And, if you don’t have a lemon in the refrigerator, you could swap this out with a lime, orange, or even grapefruit rind instead. It will change the final drink, but in a pinch these are all still delicious options. Cheers! xo. Emma
Vodka Martini
Ingredients
- 3 parts vodka
- 1 part vermouth
- 1 large lemon rind OR 1-2 green olives + a teaspoon of olive juice
Instructions
-
Variation #1 - In a cocktail shaker or glass filled with ice, add the vodka and vermouth. Stir to combine then strain into your chilled glass. Squeeze the lemon rind over the top of the drink. Then add the rind to the drink.
-
Variation #2 - Add the vermouth to your chilled martini glass and give this a couple of swirls so it coats the entire inside of the glass. Then pour out the vermouth. Add the vodka to the glass and top with the olive and olive juice.
Recipe Notes
Keep your vodka in the freezer. It won't freeze, it will just stay super cold. If possible, it's also nice to keep your martini glasses in the refrigerator so they are also super chilled.
8 Comments
I love ’em extra dirty with lots of olive juice — and I prefer vodka for martinis, too! Such pretty photos, now I need to make a drink. 🙂
A movie with Blake Lively and Anna Kendrick? Sounds like a good one, I love both of them! 😀
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Where are the martini glass from? I’ve been looking for decent martini glasses for a long time.
There are actually two different ones in this post, I bought them as sets at different times. I think one is from target and the other from amazon. TJ Maxx is a great place to check too if you have one near you.
I cannot wait to try this! These past couple of months it’s been summer in South Africa and I’ve been loving my home-made cranberry gin cocktails!
The stirring or shaking with ice is very important because the key to a great martini is getting just enough ice cold water into the drink. I want to see ice crystals on the surface.
I love all the different spins on martinis! A really good one is also gin (light botanical gin, like The Botanist) and honey with ginger. AKA: ‘The Bees Knees’ !
Cheers,
Kayla
Thanks so much Love a beautiful mess????