Secondly, water is an essential ingredient—albeit an unannounced one—in most cocktail recipes, and a firm shake encourages the ice cubes to dilute, ultimately bringing balance to the drink.

The martini is a subjective drink and everyone has their preference: gin, vodka, both, dry, wet, dirty, shaken, stirred. Below is a fail-safe classic recipe. Put a coupette or other glass of your ...