Ingredients
- 2.5 oz Premium Dry Gin (Hendrick's or similar)
- 0.25 oz Dry Vermouth
- 1 Lemon Peel (for garnish)
Instructions
- Place a coupe glass in the freezer at least 10 minutes before serving.
- Add the gin and dry vermouth to a mixing glass filled with ice.
- Stir gently for 30 to 40 seconds until ice-cold and well diluted.
- Strain into the chilled coupe.
- Express a single long, narrow lemon peel over the drink, rub the rim, and drape across the glass. That's all.
Notes
Estimated Nutrition:
Where it came from
The classic Martini emerged in the late 19th century, with its precise origins debated between San Francisco and New York. The Miranda Priestly Martini itself is a modern homage, a contemporary name given to a very dry, gin-heavy martini. It reflects a preference for less vermouth, a style that gained popularity through the 20th century.
This drink is firmly in the Martini family, a close relative to the Bone Dry Martini. What separates the Miranda Priestly Martini is its specific call for premium gin and the emphasis on a minimal vermouth presence, letting the gin's botanicals shine. It's a step away from vodka martinis or those with heavier vermouth ratios.
You would order this in a dimly lit, upscale cocktail bar, perhaps before a serious dinner. It's also a perfect choice for a quiet evening at home when you want something elegant and potent, served in your best glassware. This is not a party starter, but a sophisticated nightcap or a thoughtful aperitif.
What it tastes like
The Miranda Priestly Martini is a masterclass in gin. You get a dominant juniper and botanical profile, often with notes of citrus peel, coriander, and angelica depending on your gin choice. The dry vermouth adds a subtle herbaceousness and a whisper of wine, making the drink incredibly crisp and dry on the palate. It finishes clean and refreshing, with a lingering botanical whisper.
This is a robust cocktail. With 2.5 ounces of 40% ABV gin, you are looking at 1 full ounce of pure alcohol. To put that in perspective, a standard 12 ounce beer at 5% ABV contains about 0.6 ounces of pure alcohol. This means a single Miranda Priestly Martini packs more alcohol than one and a half standard beers. Sip accordingly.
The technique
Building a Miranda Priestly Martini is all about temperature and precision. Start by chilling your coupe glass thoroughly, ideally in the freezer for at least ten minutes. Combine your gin and dry vermouth in a mixing glass filled with fresh, quality ice. Stir gently but consistently for 30 to 40 seconds to achieve optimal chill and the right amount of dilution. Strain directly into your pre-chilled coupe.
The single most important technique tip for this drink is proper dilution. Stirring for the correct duration with good ice is crucial. Too little dilution makes it harsh and boozy, too much waters down the gin's delicate flavors. Aim for that sweet spot of ice-cold, slightly rounded, but still potent.
Ingredient Spotlight
The bottles that make or break this drink.
Premium Dry Gin
- Use
- Hendrick's, Tanqueray No. Ten, Plymouth Gin, or other high-quality London Dry gins. Look for a balanced botanical profile.
- Skip
- Heavily flavored gins like cucumber or elderflower unless you specifically want that profile. Avoid cheap, harsh gins; they will ruin the drink.
- Why
- Gin is the star here. Its quality dictates the entire flavor experience. A good gin provides a complex aromatic backbone that cheap gin cannot replicate.
Dry Vermouth
- Use
- Dolin Dry, Noilly Prat Original Dry, or other fresh, quality dry vermouths. Keep it refrigerated once opened.
- Skip
- Sweet vermouth, oxidized vermouth that has been open for months. You will taste the difference immediately.
- Why
- Even in small amounts, vermouth provides a crucial aromatic bridge and a touch of dryness. It rounds out the gin without overshadowing it.
Three Variations
Three real ways bartenders riff on this drink.
Wet Martini
- A little more vermouth, a little less bite.
- Increase the dry vermouth to 0.5 or 0.75 ounces for a slightly softer, more herbaceous profile. It makes the gin less assertive.
Dirty Martini
- Briny, savory, and a little bit naughty.
- Add 0.25 to 0.5 ounces of olive brine to the mixing glass with the gin and vermouth. Garnish with olives instead of lemon.
Gibson
- Onion instead of olive, a subtle twist.
- Keep the recipe as is, but garnish with one or two cocktail onions instead of a lemon peel. It adds a distinctly savory, pungent aroma.
What if I don't have…
Quick substitutions for when the bottle shop is closed.
Use any decent quality dry gin you have on hand. If you only have vodka, you are making a completely different drink, but it will still be cold and strong.
You can omit it entirely for an even drier, pure gin experience, or use a tiny splash of Lillet Blanc for a subtly different aromatic. Just a dash.
An orange peel works for a softer citrus note. Alternatively, a few olives or a cocktail onion will completely change the character, but still provide a garnish.
A chilled martini glass is the obvious next best. If those are out, a small, stemmed wine glass or even a rocks glass will do in a pinch, just make sure it's cold.
Frequently Asked Questions
Direct answers to what people search for after Googling this drink.
What is in a Miranda Priestly Martini?
A Miranda Priestly Martini contains 2.5 ounces of premium dry gin, 0.25 ounces of dry vermouth, and is garnished with a lemon peel.
Is the Miranda Priestly Martini strong?
Yes, it is a very strong, spirit-forward cocktail. With 2.5 ounces of gin, it contains a significant amount of alcohol, comparable to more than one and a half standard beers.
What kind of gin should I use for a Miranda Priestly Martini?
For the best results, use a high-quality premium dry gin such as Hendrick's, Tanqueray No. Ten, or Plymouth. The gin is the dominant flavor, so quality matters.
What does "dry" mean in a Martini?
In a Martini context, 'dry' refers to the amount of dry vermouth used. A 'dry' martini uses very little vermouth, while an 'extra dry' martini uses even less or none at all. It indicates a less sweet, more spirit-forward drink.
Why is it called the Miranda Priestly Martini?
The name is a pop culture reference, likely inspired by the demanding and sophisticated character Miranda Priestly from 'The Devil Wears Prada.' It suggests a martini that is uncompromising, elegant, and perfectly executed.
Should I shake or stir a Miranda Priestly Martini?
Always stir a Miranda Priestly Martini. Stirring ensures proper dilution and chilling without aerating the drink, which would cloud its appearance and alter its texture. Keep it clear and cold.
Can I make a Miranda Priestly Martini ahead of time?
No, martinis are best made and served immediately. The ideal temperature and dilution change quickly. Prepare it fresh just before you intend to drink it.
What's the best way to chill the glass?
Place your coupe glass in the freezer for at least 10 to 15 minutes before you start mixing. A truly ice-cold glass keeps your martini colder for longer.
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