Ingredients:

  • 5 fl oz (75 ml) Premium London Dry Gin, chilled
  • 5 fl oz (15 ml) Dry Vermouth, chilled
  • Sufficient large, dense ice cubes
  • 1 strip Fresh Lemon Peel (approx. 1”x 2”) OR 1-3 high-quality Green Olives

Instructions:

  1. Place the serving glass (Martini or Coupe) in the freezer for at least 15 minutes prior to mixing to ensure maximum coldness.
  2. Ready the Garnish: If using a lemon twist, carefully peel a strip of zest (removing the white pith). If using olives, place them on a cocktail pick.
  3. Chill the Mixing Glass: Add a few pieces of ice to the mixing glass to pre-chill it, then pour out any residual water.
  4. Measure the chilled Dry Vermouth (0.5 fl oz) and add it directly to the mixing glass, followed by the chilled Gin (2.5 fl oz).
  5. Add the Ice: Fill the mixing glass completely with fresh, dense, large ice cubes.
  6. Stir, Don't Shake: Using the back of the bar spoon, gently and smoothly stir the liquid for approximately 30–45 seconds until the mixing glass is frosty on the outside. This achieves critical temperature and proper dilution.
  7. Strain the Mixture: Remove the chilled serving glass from the freezer, place the Hawthorne strainer over the mixing glass, and pour the cocktail immediately into the chilled glass.
  8. Garnish: If using the lemon twist, firmly twist the peel (skin-side down) over the drink to express the essential oils, then rub the rim before adding it to the glass or discarding. If using olives, place the cocktail pick into the drink.