Ingredients:

  • 4 oz gin or vodka
  • 1 oz dry vermouth
  • 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice or orange juice (optional)
  • Fresh lemon or orange peel (for garnish)

Instructions:

  1. Chill the martini glasses by filling them with ice water while preparing the drink.
  2. Use a peeler or knife to cut a thin strip of lemon or orange peel and set aside.
  3. In a cocktail shaker, measure and pour 4 oz of gin or vodka and 1 oz of dry vermouth.
  4. If desired, add 1/2 oz of fresh lemon or orange juice to the shaker for added zing.
  5. Fill the shaker with ice, close it securely, and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds, or stir gently for 30 seconds.
  6. Discard the ice water from the glasses and strain the cocktail mixture evenly into each glass.
  7. Twist the citrus peel over the cocktails to release the oils, then drop the peel into each glass.