Professional bartenders like to say, “A Martini is not a cocktail, it’s a conversation.” Most Martini drinkers know exactly how they like their drink made; anything else just isn’t right.
Put the bitters (if using), vermouth, and gin in a mixing glass with ice. Stir until very cold, about 15 seconds.
Strain into the chilled glass. If using olives, put them on a cocktail pick and in the glass before straining the drink. Always use an odd number of olives—an even number is bad luck. If adding a twist, strain the drink into the glass, then hold the twist lengthwise just over the glass in the thumb and index finger of each hand and gently fold to express the oils from the peel
Rub the twist on the rim of the glass. Put the twist in the drink.
Notes
Shaken or stirred? We like to say James Bond ordered his Martini “shaken not stirred,” but that’s the exception to the rule. That’s fine for Mr. Bond, but a Martini is traditionally stirred, creating a silky texture with no air bubbles