Step 1

Chill your martini glass by filling it to the brim with ice and water. Set it aside while you prepare the cocktail.

Step 2

Next, fill a mixing glass with ice. Pour in the gin and vermouth. If you’d like a dirty martini, start with 1 teaspoon olive brine.

Step 3

Use a mixing spoon to stir the mixture in a circular motion until it’s ice cold, about 30 seconds (which will seem like a long time, but it’s worth it). If you’re making a dirty martini, taste and add more brine by the teaspoon if desired.

Step 4

Discard the ice and water in your martini glass. Strain the cold martini mixture into the cold glass. Garnish with a lemon twist or olives. Enjoy!