What do the best martini recipes all have in common?

The best martini recipes have several factors in common, such as a mixture of gin and vermouth and the addition of bitters and garnish. Olives are an important ingredient in all the best recipes as a garnish.

Many martinis include lemon peels as an extra garnish. Some of the best original recipes also include orange bitters. Although martinis can be made with either gin or vodka, gin is the alcohol of choice. To make a martini, stir 1/2 ounce of chilled dry vermouth with 2 1/2 ounces of chilled gin. Add 1 olive and enjoy. To make a martini dry or wet, use less or more vermouth respectively.