Martinis are more than just drinks – they’re an art form. Bartenders around the world are continuously coming up with new recipes to flex their creative muscles and wow their punters. As a result, you’re bound to find at least one martini on your average bar menu that takes your tasting experience to a whole new level.

However, as you watch your bartender mix your favorite cocktail to perfection, you might find yourself wondering if it’s something you can do at home. If you’re ready to create the perfect martini, here are five secrets straight from the mouths of skilled bartenders:

Don’t Underestimate the Value of Vermouth

When you start exploring the abundance of martini recipes online, you’re bound to see unique options like white vermouth and Spanish gin that deliver a taste sensation. While the gin is self-explanatory, many people are unfamiliar with vermouth.

Vermouth is an aromatic red or white wine with herbs that form the foundation of any delicious martini. It can lower the overall alcohol content of your martini, but it might also provide potential health benefits, such as a lower risk of chronic diseases and an immunity boost courtesy of its antioxidant properties. Most bartenders will happily admit that a martini with vermouth is superior to one without.

Stir, Don’t Shake

Take a trip to your favorite local drinking establishment, and you might hear the familiar sound of a cocktail shaker being shaken like a maraca behind the bar. While a cocktail shaker is more than suitable for producing a delicious martini, not all bartenders believe it’s the best tool for the job. Some won’t even let their martinis go near one!

Many top bartenders are adamant that stirring produces better results. When you stir your cocktail rather than shake it, you get to enjoy a cold and taut surface without any ice shards to ruin the experience.  

Don’t Forget to Balance Your Flavors

It’s all too easy to be heavy-handed with your favorite beverages like vodka or gin, but balance is crucial for the perfect martini. While you’re learning how to master the craft, follow recipes to the letter.

With time, tasting, and tinkering, you can start learning which flavor combinations work the best and create your own standout recipes to share with your friends.

Say No to Olives

Is a martini really a martini without olives? Olives became a popular martini garnish in the 1880s to highlight the aromatics of the gin and complement the vermouth. However, they’re not actually as necessary as you think. In fact, many bartenders and martini masters say room-temperature olives can heat up your drink, impacting your martini tasting experience.

If you must add something to your glass for the wow factor, a simple citrus peel can be a much more practical and delicious option.

Don’t Forget the Social Media Finish

While putting a lot of effort into establishing the perfect balance of ingredients for a standout martini is crucial, prioritizing presentation is just as important. Use a clean, sleek martini glass, and garnish your finished product for beauty and sophistication so that anyone would be proud to upload a picture of it to their Instagram page.

You might think that you’ll never be able to master the craft of martini making as well as the average bartender, but it’s entirely possible. Take note of the tips above, arm yourself with quality products, and you’ll be on your way to pro-level beverage creation in no time.