Classic Martini

Before you build your martini, put your martini glass in the freezer to chill.

Place 2 1/2 ounces gin or vodka and 1/2 ounce dry vermouth in a mixing glass.

Add cubed ice and stir for 30 seconds until the martini is chilled. Strain the drink into your chilled martini glass.

Pare a lemon peel, and express (pinch) the back of the lemon peel over the martini. Rub the lemon peel around the rim of the glass and drop it into the glass. Alternatively, garnish with speared olives.

Before you build your martini, put your martini glass in the freezer to chill.

Place 2 1/2 ounces gin or vodka and 1/2 ounce dry vermouth in a cocktail shaker.

Add cubed ice and shake vigorously for 10 seconds.

If you prefer ice shards floating at the top of your martini, then simply strain the drink into your chilled martini glass. If you don't want the ice shards, then strain the drink through a fine-mesh strainer to catch the ice shards.

Pare a lemon peel, and express (pinch) the back of the lemon peel over the martini. Rub the lemon peel around the rim of the glass and drop it into the glass. Alternatively, garnish with speared olives.