Ingredients
- 3 oz Vodka
- .5 oz Dry Vermouth
Instructions
Shake Ingredients:
- In a cocktail shaker filled with cracked ice, combine 3 oz of vodka and 0.5 oz of dry vermouth.
Strain into Glass:
- Shake well and strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass.
Serve:
- Serve immediately and enjoy the crisp, clean flavors of the Great Caesarβs Martini.
Notes
Estimated Nutrition:
Where it came from
The vodka martini, of which the Great Caesars Martini is a prime example, emerged as a popular alternative to its gin-based cousin in the mid-20th century. While the name “Caesars” might suggest a grand, ancient origin, it’s more likely a marketing flourish or a nod to a strong, classic image, rather than a direct historical link. It’s a staple found in bars worldwide.
This drink is a direct descendant in the venerable Martini family. Its closest relatives are the Gin Martini and the Vesper. What distinguishes the Great Caesars Martini is its exclusive reliance on vodka as the base spirit, offering a cleaner, often smoother profile compared to the botanical complexity of gin, and without the specific Lillet component of a Vesper.
You’d order a Great Caesars Martini in a classic cocktail lounge, a high-end restaurant, or at a well-stocked home bar. It’s a perfect pre-dinner aperitif, a strong yet clean drink for a quiet evening, or a straightforward choice when you want a spirit-forward classic without any frills.
What it tastes like
The initial taste is a crisp, clean rush of chilled vodka, immediately followed by the subtle, aromatic herbal notes from the dry vermouth. There’s no sweetness here, just a smooth, dry mid-palate that tempers the spirit’s edge. The finish is remarkably clean, leaving a lingering warmth and a distinctly dry, almost saline impression.
With 3 oz of 80 proof (40% ABV) vodka and 0.5 oz of 18% ABV dry vermouth, this drink clocks in around 37% ABV. To put that in perspective, a Great Caesars Martini contains roughly four times the alcohol of a standard 5% ABV beer. It’s a potent drink, making it a two-drink maximum kind of night for most patrons.
The technique
To build this martini, first make sure your cocktail glass is thoroughly chilled. Combine your vodka and dry vermouth in a shaker filled to the brim with cracked ice. Give it a vigorous shake until the shaker is frosty on the outside. Then, double strain the mixture directly into your prepared, ice-cold glass to ensure a perfectly smooth and chilled drink.
The most critical technique here is ensuring maximum chill. A martini that isn’t ice-cold will taste harsher and less refined. Use plenty of fresh ice and shake until your hands are numb. If you skimp on the ice or the shake, the drink will be lukewarm and the alcohol will be far too prominent, making for an unpleasant experience.
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Ingredient Spotlight
The bottles that make or break this drink.
Vodka
- Use
- Any quality unflavored, neutral vodka works well. Brands like Tito’s, Absolut, Grey Goose, or your favorite craft distillery’s 80 proof vodka are solid choices. The cleaner the better.
- Skip
- Avoid flavored vodkas completely; they will drastically alter the drink’s profile. Also, steer clear of very cheap, harsh vodkas, as their imperfections will be magnified in this spirit-forward drink.
- Why
- Vodka is the backbone of the Great Caesars Martini, providing its clean, crisp, and potent character. Its quality directly impacts the smoothness and overall enjoyability of the drink.
Dry Vermouth
- Use
- A good quality dry vermouth such as Dolin Dry, Noilly Prat Extra Dry, or Martini & Rossi Extra Dry. Remember to store it in the refrigerator once opened to preserve its freshness.
- Skip
- Do not use sweet vermouth or blanc vermouth. These will introduce unwanted sweetness and fundamentally change the dry, crisp profile of the Great Caesars Martini.
- Why
- Dry vermouth provides the essential aromatic complexity and herbal counterpoint that rounds out the vodka. It adds depth and a subtle dryness, preventing the drink from being just straight alcohol.
Three Variations
Three real ways bartenders riff on this drink. Same idea, three different jackets.
Dirty Martini
- For a savory, briny kick
- Add a splash of olive brine to the shaker for a distinctly savory and briny twist that complements the vodka beautifully.
Vesper Martini
- A sophisticated, bittersweet blend
- Adjust the proportions to include gin and Lillet Blanc alongside the vodka for a more complex, slightly bittersweet, and aromatic experience.
Vodka Gibson
- Onion for a pungent garnish
- Serve the Great Caesars Martini garnished with one or more cocktail onions instead of an olive or lemon twist, offering a sharper, more pungent aroma and flavor.
What if I don't have…
Quick substitutions for when the bottle shop is closed.
Gin will turn it into a classic Gin Martini, a different but equally valid drink. The flavor profile will shift to be more botanical and juniper-forward.
Lillet Blanc can be used in a pinch, but it will introduce a sweeter, more floral note than traditional dry vermouth, altering the drink’s character.
A chilled coupe glass or even a small, cold rocks glass will work. The key is that the vessel is cold to maintain the drink’s temperature.
A mixing glass with a bar spoon can be used to stir the ingredients. While it won’t achieve the same level of chill or aeration as shaking, it will still produce a cold drink.
Frequently Asked Questions
Direct answers to what people search for after Googling this drink.
What is in a Great Caesars Martini?
A Great Caesars Martini is a simple cocktail consisting of vodka and dry vermouth.
Is a Great Caesars Martini shaken or stirred?
The recipe specifies shaking the Great Caesars Martini. While some martinis are stirred for clarity, shaking ensures maximum chill and a slight aeration.
What’s the difference between a Great Caesars Martini and a regular Martini?
A Great Caesars Martini is specifically a vodka martini. A ‘regular’ martini typically refers to a gin martini unless the spirit is otherwise specified.
Why is it called ‘Great Caesars Martini’?
The ‘Caesar’ part of the name is likely a stylistic or branding choice to evoke a sense of classic grandeur, not tied to a specific historical figure or a unique origin story for this particular martini variation.
What kind of vodka should I use for a Great Caesars Martini?
Use a good quality, unflavored, neutral vodka. The better the quality of your vodka, the smoother and more enjoyable your Great Caesars Martini will be.
Should I garnish a Great Caesars Martini?
The recipe does not specify a garnish, but common additions to a vodka martini include a lemon twist for aromatic oil or an olive for a briny note, if desired.
How can I make a Great Caesars Martini less strong?
You can slightly reduce the amount of vodka or increase the dry vermouth. Adding a small splash of chilled water will also dilute it, though it may subtly impact the flavor profile.
Can I make a Great Caesars Martini ahead of time?
It is best to make a Great Caesars Martini fresh. It needs to be served extremely cold, and pre-mixing will cause it to lose its essential chill and crispness.
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