Reviewed by WhatDrink Editorial Team, Drinks EditorHow we calculate nutrition
Cocktailalcoholic33.5% ABV3 ingredientsexcellent recipe
Difficulty
Moderatestirred drink
Why: 3 ingredients, stirred drink, requires mixing glass, bar spoon
Best for: Seafood, Citrus Based Food, Aperitif
Ingredients & Tools
BaseModifierGarnish
- 1 2/3 ozGinBase
- 1/3 ozDry VermouthModifier
- 1OliveGarnish
Tools:mixing glassbar spoon
How to Make It
StirStrainGarnish
- Straight: Pour all ingredients into mixing glass with ice cubes.StirStirring chills and dilutes while keeping the drink clear and smooth.
- Stir well.StirStirring chills and dilutes while keeping the drink clear and smooth.
- Strain in chilled martini cocktail glass.StrainStraining removes ice chips, pulp or solids for a cleaner texture.
- Squeeze oil from lemon peel onto the drink, or garnish with olive.GarnishGarnish changes aroma, presentation or final flavour impression.
Best For
Food Pairings
Diet & Lifestyle
Gluten-FreeVeganVegetarian
Make it your way
Adjust this drink
Swap notes
Base spiritGin swaps are risky — botanicals vary wildly. London Dry is drier and more juniper-forward; Old Tom is sweeter; sloe gin adds fruit. If you swap, stay within the same style and taste as you go.
GarnishThe olive adds a savoury, briny note that defines the drink's finish. A cocktail onion makes it a Gibson — sharper and more pungent. A lemon twist adds brightness without the salt. Leave the garnish out entirely and the drink tastes noticeably rounder and softer.
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Frequently asked questions
- What is a Dry Martini?
- The Dry Martini is a cocktail made with 3 ingredients, traditionally served in a Cocktail Glass. It has an ABV of approximately 33.5%. A standard serving contains approximately 127 calories.
- What does a Dry Martini taste like?
- Dry Martini has a flavour profile featuring Botanical, Citrus, Herbal, Dry. The exact taste varies depending on the brands and measures used.
- What food goes well with a Dry Martini?
- Dry Martini pairs well with Seafood, Citrus Based Food, Herbal Food. The pairing is based on complementary flavour profiles from the recipe's ingredients.
- How strong is a Dry Martini?
- The Dry Martini has an ABV of approximately 33.5%. That's approximately 1.31 US standard drinks. A standard serving contains 127 calories, 0.4g sugar, 0.6g carbs. Strength varies depending on the exact measures and spirits used.
- When is a Dry Martini typically served?
- Dry Martini is a popular choice for Aperitif, Happy Hour. It also works well as an aperitif or casual evening drink.
- What drinks are similar to a Dry Martini?
- If you enjoy Dry Martini, look for cocktails with a similar spirit base and flavour profile using the filters on the cocktails page. Drinks with matching body and acidity scores on the sensory bar will feel closest in character.
- Can I make a Dry Martini at home?
- Yes. The Dry Martini uses 3 ingredients, making it easy to prepare at home. You will need a Cocktail Glass. Use quality spirits and fresh ingredients for the best result.
- What do the sensory profile dimensions mean?
- Sensory profile dimensions describe key flavour characteristics: Body (light to full), Dryness (sweet to bone dry), Acidity (flat to crisp), Fruitiness (subtle to prominent) and Boldness (delicate to bold). Each scale helps you compare cocktails at a glance and find ones with similar character.
- How do I use sensory profiles to find cocktails I like?
- Compare the Body, Acidity and Fruitiness of Dry Martini with other cocktails. If you enjoy this drink, look for others with a similar profile. Adjust one dimension at a time to discover new favourites while staying in your flavour comfort zone.