You haven’t lived until you’ve had a classic Martini at The Connaught Bar in London‘s Mayfair – an old-world grande dame by the renowned Maybourne Group (or Claridge’s and the Berkeley fame). The bar’s gilded Martini trolley has become so much more than what it is, but an emblem for the perfect drink, for conversation starters, for personalization and, in many ways, the epitome of perfect hospitality. Forever consistent, guests choose from their base – gin or vodka – their amount of vermouth and, unique to The Connaught, three dashes of homemade bitters, of which guests make their choice – Connaught lavender, cardamom, ginger, tonka signature aromatic bitters and bergamot are all available to choose. Of course, nothing beats enjoying a Martini in the Art Deco Connaught Bar, but here’s how you can recreate it at home.

“Our Martini Trolley infuses this iconic mix with a sense of ceremony. The perfect cocktail is personal – but our Martini is always stirred.”

Ago Perrone, director of mixology

The Connaught Martini

Ingredients

• 70 ml gin or vodka (Tanqueray No. Ten Gin for the true hotel experience)
• 15 ml dry vermouth
• 3 dashes of bitters. Bitters are available to purchase, or to make your own aromatic bitter at home, infuse a high-proof spirit or amaro with spices and herbs and let sit for 48 hours.
• Olives (if with vodka)
• Lemon

Method

Before making a Connaught Martini, make sure your Martini glasses are suitably frozen for a refreshing serve. Add three dashes of bitters to the frozen glass before stirring down your spirit with vermouth in a mixing glass filled with ice. Serve your Martini straight up in a glass, and garnish with olives or lemon, as per your chosen spirit.