If you love classic cocktails, a martini is the most iconic of them all. That being said, there's endless debate when it comes to making it the best way. Shaken or stirred? Gin or vodka? Olives or a lemon twist? At the end of the day, it all boils down to preference, but if you're a purist, our classic martini recipe is for you. It's the right way to start, and after that, the fun is in customizing it to your taste. Most importantly, a good martini should be very cold and drunk in moderation. In the words of the ever-witty Dorothy Parker, "I like to have a martini, two at the very most. After three I'm under the table, after four I'm under my host."

Shaken or Stirred?

Stirred. Though James Bond prefers his shaken, any bartender or cocktail aficionado will tell you that shaking breaks up the ice, which weakens the martini and bruises the alcohol. Stirring it makes the martini softer to the taste and fuller in flavour.

Vodka or Gin?

Your choice. It's all about personal preference. Gin offers a more complex, botanical flavour, and vodka gives your martini a smoother taste. However, many believe the aromatics in gin are what makes the drink.

Olives or lemon twist?

Either. Olives give the martini a salty, brininess. The lemon twist adds a citrusy piquancy.

• 2 ½ oz gin or vodka

• ½ oz dry vermouth

• Ice

• Lemon peel twist or olives, for garnish

• Pour ingredients into a mixing glass or cocktail shaker with ice and stir. Strain into a martini glass. 
• Garnish with a lemon twist or olives.

Raise the Bar