The Martini is arguably one of the best known cocktails in the world. But should it be made with vodka or gin? It’s a question that spirits lovers can debate endlessly. But frankly the choice is yours…
Purists will say that the earliest Martinis were made with gin. The very first recipe – a mix of gin and sweet vermouth – appeared in Harry Johnson’s Bartender Manual of 1888. In contrast the Vodka Martini, or Vodkatini as it’s also known, is a much more modern invention.
It was first mentioned in print in the cocktail guide Bottom’s Up, which was published in 1951. The guide was written by Ted Saucier, who worked as publicist for the glamorous Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City. Proof that trendy New Yorkers were choosing vodka for their Martinis.
Credit: Olga Yastremska / Alamy Stock Photo
But the person who really put the drink on the map is not even real. Fictional British Secret Service agent James Bond is famous for ordering a ‘Vodka Martini, shaken, not stirred’. Super-spy Bond was created by author Ian Fleming, who published his first novel, Casino Royale, in 1953. The drink is first referenced in the fourth of Fleming’s Bond novels, Diamonds Are Forever, published in 1956.
While some may argue that a Vodka Martini isn’t a true Martini, it’s still a great drink. Particularly if you want to showcase the pure flavours of a premium vodka. Read on to find out how to make a perfect Vodka Martini and find out which bottle to pick…
How to choose vodka for a Martini
Credit: Miguel Tamayo / Alamy Stock Photo
Are certain styles of vodka better for a Martini than others? ‘I wouldn’t say one type of vodka is necessarily better than the other, but different types of vodka will add different flavours to a Martini,’ explains Rico Dynan, global brand ambassador for Absolut Vodka.
First consider what raw material your vodka is distilled from. ‘The choice of base ingredient greatly influences texture and flavour,’ says Frank Grillo, co-founder of Altamura Distilleries. ‘Grains and potato are the classics for a vodka, but it could genuinely be distilled from almost anything; from grapes, to milk, to oyster shells – all of these actually exist!’
Grain-based vodkas are a safe choice. ‘Wheat vodkas, like Absolut Vodka for example, are considered to be smooth with a slight sweetness,’ explains Dynan. ‘As you move towards less traditional bases for the vodka distilling, background flavour components become introduced, some, perhaps like the brininess of oysters might be pleasant in a Martini,’ says Grillo.
‘But for a classic Martini, I think it’s best to avoid vodka made from base ingredients that could introduce a flavour profile that would conflict with the Martini profile,’ he continues. ‘Fruity or funky background flavours should be avoided. Give the prominence to the vodka in the cocktail: you will want something that is smooth, with a creamy mouthfeel and a lasting finish, and one that avoids too much burn, which can really obliterate the delicacy of a classic Martini.’
How to make a Vodka Martini
Credit: Joakim Rolandsson
To make a Vodka Martini, use six parts vodka to one part dry vermouth. Bartenders prefer to stir a Vodka Martini over ice to mix it. However there’s plenty of debate around the preparation method.
Bond’s ‘shaken’ method – putting your vodka and vermouth in a shaker with ice and shaking to mix – results in a more diluted drink, as the shards of ice melt into water. However the theatre of shaking certainly makes more of a statement, either at home or in a crowded bar.
Whichever method you choose, your Vodka Martini should then be strained into a chilled Martini glass. ‘Chilling the glass is key in maintaining the perfect temperature for your Martini,’ explains Dynan. Put your glass in the freezer for at least half an hour before you plan to serve your drink.
Finally, garnish with a lemon twist or an olive, according to your personal preference. ‘I’d recommend you garnish with a lemon twist,’ advises Grillo. ‘While olives are also classic, I think the bright citrus adds the delicate dance between the vodka and vermouth.’
Best vodkas for a Martini
Recommendations by Laura Foster and Julie Sheppard
Altamura Vodka
Altamura is an ancient variety of wheat that’s been grown in Italy’s Puglia region – specifically in the commune of Altamura and surrounding communes – for over 2,000 years. The only wheat in the world with a PDO designation, it’s the base of this decadently creamy vodka, that kicks off with aromas of vanilla, bright lemon citrus and lemon tart. Clean and crisp, with flavours of cream soda, vanilla gelato, citrus zest and dry, black-pepper led spice. So sippable… ideal for a Vodka Martini. Alc 43%
Belvedere Single Estate Rye Smogóry Forest
While the classic Belvedere vodka works beautifully in a Vodka Martini, this expression is a connoisseur’s choice. It’s made from Diamond Dankowskie rye – a rare baker’s grade rye that is lower in starch – which is grown on a single estate in the village of Smogóry in West Poland. Rich and full-bodied, with a salty savouriness, it’s very smooth, with peppery spice on the finish, balanced by a touch of caramel sweetness. Alc 40%
Chopin Vodka
Named after the classical composer, Chopin is a creamy and smooth potato vodka. Made in Poland, it’s distilled four times to produce an ultra-pure spirit. Lightly spiced, nutty and earthy on the palate, it’s a great choice in a Vodka Martini, delivering a super-smooth cocktail. Alc 40%
Cobalte Vodka
This premium French vodka will appeal to Champagne lovers: it’s made from a base of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Meunier grapes, grown in the Montagne de Reims in Aÿ-Champagne. The grapes are vinified and distilled five times with their lees, giving a smooth and aromatic spirit. Fruity and floral nose (oranges and orange blossom) with a well balanced creamy, citrus and mineral palate; fruity grape notes and liquorice spice on the finish. Alc 40%
Dima’s Vodka
This distinctive Ukrainian vodka is made from a mix of rye, wheat and barley. The blend of grains creates a creamy, silky texture and plenty of flavour. Grassy notes are balanced by fruitiness, vanilla and peppery spice from the rye. Makes a memorable Vodka Martini. Alc 40%
Discarded Grape Skin Vodka
Turning trash into treasure is a full-time job for the distilling team at Discarded Spirits, who find clever ways to transform waste ingredients into quality spirits. The vodka is distilled from grape pomace (the skins, stems and seeds left over from winemaking) and then blended with alcohol extracted from dealcoholised Chardonnay wine. The result is a smooth vodka, with fresh notes of green apple and creamy hints of pear and lychee, that works beautifully in a Vodka Martini. Alc 40%
Grey Goose Vodka
The world’s first premium vodka brand. From the Cognac region in France, Grey Goose was created by François Thibault, son of a wine-grower and a master Cognac blender. It’s a versatile, super-creamy wheat vodka that works well in a whole range of cocktails, including a Vodka Martini. Alc 40%
Haku
Produced by Suntory, which is better known for its whiskeys, this Japanese vodka is made from Japanese white rice (the word ‘haku’ means ‘white’ in Japanese). Double distilled with bamboo charcoal filtration, the palate is pure, soft and rounded, with an edge of sweetness on the soft lingering finish that marries well with the dry vermouth in a Vodka Martini. Alc 40%
Ketel One Vodka
Made by 10th generation distillers – with over 300 years of expertise – this Dutch vodka is distilled in small batches and made from 100% GMO-free European wheat. One of the smoothest and cleanest vodkas, it has a crisp citrus flavour with notes of honey and a long and lively finish that works well in a Vodka Martini. Alc 40%
Konik’s Tail
Named after the wild Polish horses that are depicted on the label, Konik’s Tail is made from a blend of three grains – golden rye, early winter wheat and spelt – and is filtered through silver birch charcoal. Rich and rounded, with good balance between spice notes and sweetness, it makes a very well-balanced Vodka Martini. Alc 40%
Meili Vodka
Created by actor Jason Momoa – famous for Aquaman and Game of Thrones – and designer Blaine Halvorsen, Meili (pronounced may-lee) is a seriously smooth spirit for a Vodkatini. Rich and soft, with sweet cereal hints on the palate, it’s made in Montana from a blend of local native and seasonal grains, with natural spring water from a 300-million-year-old aquifer. The rustic bottles are produced from 100% post-consumer recycled glass, meaning no two are identical. Alc 40%
Reyka Vodka
Hailing from Iceland, Reyka was launched in 2005. It was the world’s first eco-friendly vodka, made with glacial spring water and distilled using sustainable geothermal energy. In fact, ‘reyka’ is an old Icelandic word for ‘steam’. Reyka is made in small batches, from a base of wheat and barley, and filtered through lava rock. Full and rounded, with a creamy vanilla note that plays against peppery spice and fresh citrus, Reyka delivers a classic Vodka Martini. Alc 40%
Sipsmith Sipping Vodka
Sipsmith is best known for its gin, which helped to kick-start the modern craft gin revolution in the UK. But its vodka deserves equal attention. Distillation takes place in a copper pot still and only the heart of the cut is used. This means it doesn’t need to be filtered, which something of a rarity in vodkas. Made from wheat, there’s a pleasing oiliness to the texture. On the palate buttery biscuit notes mingle with vanilla, pepper and fennel. As the name says, it’s ideal sipping vodka – but it also makes mean Martini. Alc 40%
Snow Leopard Vodka
A vodka with a charitable streak, Snow Leopard donates 15% of its profits to the preservation of these stunning animals. Made in Poland using spelt, it is produced in small batches, distilled six times and twice filtered through charcoal. The result is a nutty, mineral vodka, with top notes of spring blossom and grass. Alc 40%
Stolichnaya elit
This is the ultra-premium expression of historic Russian brand Stolichnaya. It’s made using an innovative -18°C freeze filtration technique, creating a supremely smooth vodka. Subtle flavours of creamy aniseed and a light spiciness will shine out in your Vodka Martini. Alc 40%
Tito’s Handmade Vodka
This small-batch American vodka is distilled from corn in Austin, Texas. Created by former geologist Tito Beveridge, it’s very subtle and smooth, with clean minerality and delicate citrus aromas. The super-creamy palate is all about rich silky vanilla, making it ideal for a pure, clean and velvety Vodka Martini. Alc 40%
Ukiyo Japanese Rice Vodka
This distinctive and beautifully bottled Japanese vodka is made in Okinawa from long grain rice, which is first distilled into traditional awamori spirit, then redistilled into vodka. The fragrant nose is reminiscent of sake, with warm floral notes and yuzu citrus. Spicy in the mouth, with notes of liquorice and aniseed, alongside lavender, violet and citrus zest. Makes a perfect Vodka Martini for sake fans. Alc 40%
X Muse Vodka
Made at the Bonnington Estate near Edinburgh, X Muse’s spiritual home is a sculpture park called Jupiter Artland. This isn’t a case of style over substance, however. It’s made using two heritage varieties of barley that are distilled separately and blended, while the water used comes from an ancient aquifer on the estate. It’s a vodka with an elegant body, and flavours of sweet cream, Granny Smith apples, pears, melted butter, drying oatcakes and a mineral undertone. Alc 40%
