Though the classic Martini recipe is a simple one—only two ingredients in its most austere form—it has inspired more debate than any other over the proper ingredients (gin or vodka?), ratio (wet or dry?) and garnish (olive or a twist?). More than a century’s worth of fine-tuning has resulted in a deep library of both classic and modern iterations that run the full gamut of style and flavor. Here are our favorite takes on the timeless template.
For our Ultimates series, we ask top bartenders to submit their finest recipes, then taste them all to find the best of the best. These are the Martinis that have come out on top.
Made with a splash of absinthe, an ounce of sherry or an inverted ratio, these deep cuts from history are ready for their return.
Lately, the Martini is less of a set of rigid rules and more of a mood.
