Uploaded October 2014 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
The City of London Distillery's Nick Caputo shows us how to make a classic Martini and their take on the quintessential gin cocktail.
Drink 1: Martini (Bone Dry)
1. Add French style dry Vermouth (Dolin de Chambéry Dry) – any amount.
2. Add ice to the top of a mixing jug.
3. Stir 5 times.
4. Coat the glass in ice.
5. Discard everything and flick all liquid out as much as possible.
6. Then add 70ml City of London Dry Gin.
7. Refill with Ice.
8. Stir until balanced (approx 40 secs to 1 minute).
9. Note: To taste, the Gin should shine, have a dry crisp finish and all the botanicals. should came through with the faintest touch of Vermouth.
10. Strain drink close to glass so as not to aerate.
11. Zest oils over drink (not too close).
12. Throw garnish away so as not to influence flavor too much (the martini would continue to absorb flavor otherwise).
13. Served straight up in a cocktail glass or coupette.
Drink 2: Distiller’s Martini
- A more accessible Martini for new Gin drinkers, highlighting the Gin’s botanicals.
1. Add 10ml of Mancino Bianco (Vermouth) to a mixing glass
2. Add 50ml City of London Dry Gin
3. Stir till balanced, then strain
4. Add a zest pink grapefruit twist
5. Serve in a cocktail glass or coupette
Gin Cocktail Tasting Notes:
You can smell when a drink is balanced as ethers rise, the hit of alcohol reduces and the flavour comes through - this is because alcohol carries and releases flavour upon dilution.
When it tastes vibrant and balanced it is done. Check the temperature on the back of your hand to make sure it is cold.
The City of London Distillery's Nick Caputo shows us how to make a classic Martini and their take on the quintessential gin cocktail.
Drink 1: Martini (Bone Dry)
1. Add French style dry Vermouth (Dolin de Chambéry Dry) – any amount.
2. Add ice to the top of a mixing jug.
3. Stir 5 times.
4. Coat the glass in ice.
5. Discard everything and flick all liquid out as much as possible.
6. Then add 70ml City of London Dry Gin.
7. Refill with Ice.
8. Stir until balanced (approx 40 secs to 1 minute).
9. Note: To taste, the Gin should shine, have a dry crisp finish and all the botanicals. should came through with the faintest touch of Vermouth.
10. Strain drink close to glass so as not to aerate.
11. Zest oils over drink (not too close).
12. Throw garnish away so as not to influence flavor too much (the martini would continue to absorb flavor otherwise).
13. Served straight up in a cocktail glass or coupette.
Drink 2: Distiller’s Martini
- A more accessible Martini for new Gin drinkers, highlighting the Gin’s botanicals.
1. Add 10ml of Mancino Bianco (Vermouth) to a mixing glass
2. Add 50ml City of London Dry Gin
3. Stir till balanced, then strain
4. Add a zest pink grapefruit twist
5. Serve in a cocktail glass or coupette
Gin Cocktail Tasting Notes:
You can smell when a drink is balanced as ethers rise, the hit of alcohol reduces and the flavour comes through - this is because alcohol carries and releases flavour upon dilution.
When it tastes vibrant and balanced it is done. Check the temperature on the back of your hand to make sure it is cold.
