Vodka Martini Cocktail

4.6
(33)
27 Reviews
6 Photos

A vodka martini is a classic cocktail and easy to make with just vodka, dry vermouth, and ice. Serve in a chilled martini glass and garnish with olives or a lemon twist for an elegant cocktail at home.

Submitted by Home Happy Hour
Updated on November 11, 2023
Tested by
Allrecipes Test Kitchen
Tested by Allrecipes Test Kitchen
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a low angle view looking into two vodka martinis served in classic martini glasses and each garnished with three olives
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Prep Time:
5 mins
Total Time:
5 mins
Servings:
1
Yield:
1 cocktail
Jump to Nutrition Facts

James Bond loves vodka martinis and we do too! Sometimes you just can't beat a classic, and an elegant, refreshing vodka martini is certainly a classic.

What's In a Vodka Martini?

Vodka martini ingredients are really simple. You'll just need these three ingredients:

Vodka
Of course, you'll need vodka. Choose your favorite brand.

Dry Vermouth
Use dry vermouth for a floral and tart flavor.

Olives
Try Castelvetrano olives or Spanish olives — or any other green olive you like.

What Makes a Vodka Martini Dirty?

A dirty martini means the cocktail contains olive brine (in addition to the olive garnish). This martini is not dirty, but you could easily make it dirty by adding half an ounce of olive brine.

How to Make a Vodka Martini

Contrary to what 007 says, vodka martinis are actually meant to be stirred, not shaken. Here's how to make one:

Combine Vodka and Vermouth

Combine the vodka and dry vermouth in a mixing glass with ice. Stir until chilled, then strain into a chilled martini glass.

Garnish

Top the cocktail with as many olives as you like (threaded onto a toothpick).

Allrecipes Community Tips and Praise

"Perfect, simple vodka martini recipe. First time martini drinker (my wife) liked it. Use a high quality vodka - I used Russian Standard Platinum. Easy, tastes great," says Tacketts Mill Farm.

"This is the perfect vodka martini. There are lots of variations on the ratios of vermouth to vodka, but I've found I like this best. Especially with Grey Goose Citron vodka. Yum," raves W Adkisson.

"Both my husband and I have never had a martini before so we really do not know what if it compares to anything but we really like it. I am not a fan of green olives but in this drink they are the bomb. My husband likes his dirty with a bit of olive juice and I like mine neat. Either way this is a great recipe," according to Pilar Williams.

Editorial contributions by Bailey Fink

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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 1 servings

  • 3 fluid ounces vodka

  • 1 fluid ounce dry vermouth

  • 1 cup ice cubes

  • 3 small olives

Directions

  1. Gather ingredients.

    Bottle of Vermouth, bottle of vodka, small bowl with spanish olives, pitcher with cocktail stirring spoon, and a bowl of ice

    Jen Causey

  2. Combine vodka and dry vermouth in a cocktail mixing glass. Fill with ice and stir until chilled.

    small glass pitcher with light amber liquid on ice with a cocktail stirring spoon inside with a frosted martini glass beside it.

    Jen Causey

  3. Strain into a chilled martini glass.

    hand pouring a pitcher through a cocktail strainer into a frosted martini glass

    Jen Causey

  4. Garnish with three olives on a toothpick.

    a low angle view looking into two vodka martinis served in classic martini glasses and each garnished with three olives

    DOTDASH MEREDITH FOOD STUDIOS 
66 home cooks made it!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

255 Calories
2g Fat
5g Carbs
0g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 1
Calories 255
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 2g 2%
Saturated Fat 0g 1%
Sodium 134mg 6%
Total Carbohydrate 5g 2%
Dietary Fiber 1g 2%
Total Sugars 2g
Protein 0g 0%
Vitamin C 0mg 0%
Calcium 16mg 1%
Iron 1mg 3%
Potassium 28mg 1%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.