Dry and Wet martinis are considered one of the most iconic drinks in the world, if not THE most iconic. They have been a favorite choice for those looking to enjoy some alcohol with their friends or colleagues since the early 20th century.
What is the difference between a Dirty and a Wet Martini? A dry martini is a cocktail made with dry vermouth and gin. It contains less vermouth than a wet martini. As a result, the taste of gin is more pronounced. Dry martini is typically herbaceous, citrusy, and spicy, served cold and often garnished with an olive or a lemon twist.
On the other hand, a wet martini is a sweeter cocktail than others. It has more dry vermouth than the dry version and thus has less pronounced gin flavor and taste. Wet martinis are typically served cold but with a less citrusy finish or aftertaste. They are often garnished with an olive or lemon twist to add some freshness to the drink.
In this blog post, we will also explore the origins of Dry and Wet martinis, how you can make it at home, and some popular variations of Dry and Wet martinis.
The Origin Of Dry Martini And Wet Martini
The dry martini has a long and storied history, dating back to the late 1800s. The drink was created by an American bartender named Jerry Thomas, and it quickly became popular among drinkers around the world. There is some debate surrounding the origin of the dry martini, but most experts believe that the drink was first served in 1887 at New York City’s Knickerbocker Hotel.
“I only drink dry martinis.” – John Wayne
“A dry martini is the perfect drink for any occasion. If it’s too dry, you add more vermouth; if it’s too wet, you add an olive.” – Audrey Hepburn
The wet martini has a much shorter history, dating back to only the early 1900s. The drink was created by an American bartender named Harry MacElhone, and it quickly became popular among drinkers around the world. There is some debate surrounding the origin of the wet martini, but most experts believe that the drink was first served in 1909 at New York City’s Stork Club.
“I like my martinis dry…but with a lot of vermouths.” – James Bond
“A dry martini is made with gin and dry vermouth; a wet martini is made with gin and sweetened vermouth.” – Unknown Author.
LEARN MORE: What Is The Difference Between Dirty And Dry Martini?
Make Your Dry Martini At Home
Ingredients
- Gin
- Dry Vermouth
- Ice cubes
- Garnish: Cocktail Olives / Lemon twist or Cocktail onions
Instructions
Step One: Pour your ingredients into the shaker. Be sure to use plenty of ice to help keep it cold! I like using at least three cubes per drink. You can use more or less depending on how strong you want your martini to be.
Step Two: Shake vigorously for about 30 seconds until the outside of the shaker feels frosty.
Step Three: Strain into a chilled glass and serve immediately!
LEARN MORE: What Is Vermouth In A Martini?
Make Your Wet Martini At Home
Ingredients
- Gin
- Vermouth
- Ice cubes
- Garnish: Cocktail olives or lemon twist or cocktail onions.
Instructions
Step One: Pour your ingredients into the shaker, be sure to use plenty of ice so it stays cold throughout all steps!. I like using at least three cubes per cocktail myself but you might want less if serving someone else or two large glasses could become too many for one person’s taste buds (which has happened before).
Step Two: Next up comes that 30 second shake time where we really vibrate those cubed fruits inside against each other until everything becomes frosty right outside both lids.
Step Three: Finally strain back into its own and serve immediately!
LEARN MORE: What Is Vermouth In A Martini?
Popular Variations Of Dry Martinis
- Classic dry martini: This drink is made with dry vermouth and gin, served straight up or on the rocks.
- Dry vodka martini: This drink is made with dry vermouth and vodka, served straight up or on the rocks.
- Gibson dry martini: A classic dry martini garnished with cocktail onions instead of olives; some call it a “dirty” martini because they’re not sure what type of onion to use (and don’t care).
- Gin rickey dry martini: These are usually mixed drinks that contain gin but do not include any other ingredients such as vermouths and bitters.
- French dry martini: This drink is made with dry champagne instead of gin, served straight up or on the rocks.
- Italian dry martini: This drink is made with dry vermouth and Campari, served straight up or on the rocks.
- Manhattan dry martini: Made with dry vermouth, bourbon whiskey, and Angostura bitters, this drink is typically served in a chilled glass with a twist of lemon peel.
- Negroni dry martini: A variation of the Italian dry martini that substitutes gin for Campari and sweet red vermouth for dry; also served straight up or on the rocks.
- Sweet dry martini: This drink is made with dry vermouth and sweetened vodka, served straight up or on the rocks.
- Vesper dry martini: Named after James Bond’s love interest in Casino Royale, this drink is made with gin, vodka, and Lillet Blanc (a French aperitif), served.
LEARN MORE: What Is A Bruised Martini?
Popular Variations Of Wet Martinis
- Wet vodka martini: This drink is made with sweetened vermouth and vodka, served straight up or on the rocks.
- Bronx wet martini: Made with dry vermouth, sweet red vermouth, gin, and orange juice, this drink is typically served in a chilled glass with a twist of lemon peel.
- Clover Club wet martini: A classic wet martini made with dry vermouth, egg white, raspberry syrup, and grenadine; served straight up or on the rocks.
- Daisy wet martini: Made with dry vermouth, Lillet Blanc (a French aperitif), gin, and maraschino liqueur; served straight up or on the rocks.
- Godfather wet martini: This drink is made with dry vermouth, Amaretto di Saronno (an almond-flavored liqueur), and dry vermouth; served straight up or on the rocks.
- Martini wet martini: A classic dry martini made with dry vermouth, gin, and sweet red vermouth; served straight up or on the rocks.
- Manhattan wet martini: Made with dry vermouth, bourbon whiskey, Angostura bitters (a bittering agent used in many cocktails), and sweet red vermouth; this drink is typically served in a chilled glass garnished with an orange slice.
- Negroni wet martini: A variation of the Italian dry martini that substitutes Campari for gin and dry white wine for sweetened vodka; served straight up or on the rocks.
- Perfect dry martini: This drink is made with dry vermouth, gin, sweet red vermouth, and dry white wine; served straight up or on the rocks.
- Vesper wet martini: Named after James Bond’s love interest in Casino Royale, this drink is made with gin, vodka, and Lillet Blanc (a French aperitif), served.
LEARN MORE: What Is A Martini Straight Up?
Conclusion
Hope the above topic will help you to understand dry and wet martinis.
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