A dry martini is a classic cocktail that has been enjoyed for many years. It is typically made with gin and vermouth, but the amount of vermouth can vary depending on personal preference. When someone orders a “dry” martini, it means that they want very little vermouth in their drink, with the focus being primarily on the gin.
The ratio of gin to vermouth in a traditional dry martini is often described as 6 parts gin to 1 part vermouth. This creates a balanced cocktail where the flavors of both the gin and vermouth can be appreciated. However, when someone orders an “extra dry” martini, they are requesting even less vermouth. In some cases, it may just be a mere splash or even just a quick wash of the glass with vermouth, leaving the gin as the main component of the drink.
The concept of a dry martini being predominantly gin originated from a preference for a stronger, more gin-forward cocktail. Over time, the trend of dry martinis became popular, and people started requesting less vermouth in their drinks. This preference for a drier martini led to the creation of the “extra dry” category, where the vermouth is barely present.
Personal experiences with dry martinis can vary greatly. Some individuals enjoy the bold, intense flavors of a gin-focused martini, while others may find it overpowering and prefer a more balanced ratio of gin to vermouth. The beauty of cocktails is the ability to customize them to suit individual tastes, so there is no right or wrong way to enjoy a dry martini.
A dry martini is traditionally made with gin and vermouth, but the amount of vermouth can vary depending on personal preference. The term “dry” indicates that very little vermouth has been added, with the gin being the primary focus. However, when someone orders an “extra dry” martini, they are requesting an even smaller amount of vermouth, or even just a glass-coating wash. The level of dryness in a martini is a matter of personal taste, and there are no set rules on how much vermouth should be used.