Pop quiz: why does Bond order his martini “shaken, not stirred”? Because he’s a dramatic spy who wants his drink bruised. Shaking aerates the gin and makes it cloudy and slightly frothy. It’s a fun trick, but it dilutes the drink faster.
For a cleaner, more elegant sip, stir your martini. Pour your gin and vermouth over ice in the mixing glass. Stir gently for about 20–30 seconds—until the outside of the glass feels painfully cold. This is your moment of zen; don’t rush it.
The Chill Factor
Ice is the secret weapon. Use big, clear cubes if you can, because they melt slower. The goal isn’t to water down the gin—it’s to get it polar-bear cold. A warm martini is a crime against humanity.
Once stirred, strain it into a chilled glass. You can pop a coupe or a V-shaped glass in the freezer for ten minutes, or just fill it with ice water while you mix. Cold glass + cold liquid = magic.
How to Make a Gin Martini: Supplies & Easy Recipe
