Gibson Martini

If you love a classic martini, you have to try this Gibson martini. It's a more savory twist on a martini, and of course, it's so easy to make! 

You'll love this Gibson martini

It's easy to make. This Gibson martini only has 2 ingredients and 3 if you want to make it a dirty Gibson! It's so easy to make, and such a great, refreshing, and savory cocktail. 

It's a fun, savory twist on a martini. This is a great, savory martini variation if you like a classic dry martini recipe. 

It's easy to make as a freezer-door drink. ​I love a good freezer-door cocktail! They are so easy to make, keep in your freezer, and then whip out for your next dinner party! 

Ingredients

Gin. You'll want to ensure you get yourself a bottle of dry gin. For martinis, I always recommend buying a nicer gin or vodka because fruit juices or other mixers don't mask the flavors, so you want to make sure you have quality liquor. 

Dry Vermouth. Dry vermouth is a must when making any martini! I don't love dry vermouth, so I just add a splash, but some people like adding equal parts gin and dry vermouth.

Cocktail Onions. Cocktail onions can be found in any liquor store or the liquor section of the grocery store. 

How to make a Gibson martini

1. In a cocktail shaker, combine 2 ½ oz gin and ½ oz dry vermouth.
2. Add fresh ice and shake vigorously for 60 seconds.
3. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass and garnish with a cocktail onion.

Note: ​to make this a dirty Gibson, add 1 oz. of cocktail onion brine.

What are cocktail onions?

Cocktail onions are not exactly pickled onions. They are pickled pearl onions in a brine that gives them a sweet, sour, and salty flavor with the slightest crunchy texture. 

Why is it called a Gibson martini?

There are actually 3 origin stories for the Gibson Martini.

The Gibson Girls. The most common origin story told is that the martini was named after New York Socialites known as the Gibson girls who were made famous by the famous artist Charles Dana Gibson. 

The Bohemian Club. There's also a story of Edward Townsend, the former vice president of the Bohemian Club in San Francisco, who is credited with the first printed mention of the Gibson in 1898.

Hugh Simons Gibson. ​Hugh Simons Gibson was rumored to have added an onion to his martini at the Metropolitan Club to mark it as his and avoid anyone else accidentally drinking it. 

Substitutions and variations

Dirty Gibson Martini. If you like a classic dirty martini recipe, you can easily make this into a dirty Gibson, too! As opposed to using olive brine to make it dirty, use the cocktail onion brine. I add 1 oz. of cocktail onion brine. A dirty Gibson is my personal preference. 

Tips for making the best martini

Dry gin.​ For any classic gin martini, you want to be sure that you are using a dry gin. Don't know what dry gin to look for? You've seen so many dry gin brands! Tanquerey, Beefeater, and Bombay are just a few you'd probably recognize off the bat. 

Chill your martini glass.​ It seems like such a small detail, but it makes such a difference! For any classic cocktail that calls for a martini glass, I always say you have to put your glass in the freezer to get that frosty coat. 

Shake for 60 seconds. This might seem exact and unnecessary, but it truly makes such a difference! It lets the ice crush up and it gets the martini nice and chilled. 

FAQs

What is a Gibson vs martini?

The difference between a Gibson and a martini is what it's garnished with. A classic martini is either garnished with a lemon twist or an olive or two. A Gibson martini is garnished with a pickled cocktail onion. 

Is Gibson vodka or gin?

A Gibson cocktail is made with gin!

What's the difference between a Gibson and a gimlet?

A Gibson has gin and dry vermouth whereas a gimlet has gin and lime juice. 

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Want more martini recipes?

• Lychee Martini
• Vesper Martini
• Dill Pickle Martini