The Martini: A Classic Reinvented

With so many variations of the Martini available today, it’s no surprise that customers can feel overwhelmed by the choices. Bartenders, in turn, are expected to be on top of their game understanding the nuances of ingredients, their origins, and the growing number of artisanal options on the market.

To many purists and certainly in the eyes of old-school bartenders the classic Martini remains a Dry Gin-based cocktail, stirred with dry vermouth and finished with a fresh lemon twist. It’s a timeless drink that embodies simplicity, elegance, and precision.

But as the cocktail world evolves, so too does the Martini. With a growing selection of craft spirits, global vermouths, infused garnishes, and bold customer preferences, this iconic drink has become a canvas for creative expression and signature flair.

My Favourite? The Dirty Dry Dean Martin Martini with a Twist.

Legend has it that Dean Martin, the suave comedian and entertainer, liked his Martinis with three olives one for each sip. Inspired by his ritual, my version is a refined yet flavour-forward twist on the Dirty Martini.

I start with a base of dry gin, add at least 15ml of premium olive brine (a nod to the “filthy” variation), a dash of dry vermouth, and garnish it with three plump green olives. A fresh lemon twist crowns the top, and for that final touch of theatre, I finish it with a mist of my house-made lemon cocktail spray adding a zesty aroma that lingers with every sip.

This isn’t just a drink it’s a story, a mood, and a moment of old-school charm elevated by modern craft.