How to Martini, Y’all

Down South, we like to keep things classic, with just the right touch of personality, and the martini is no exception. At its core, a martini is simply gin (or vodka) and dry vermouth, served up cold and garnished with an olive or lemon twist. But like a good Southern story, it’s all in the details. Some folks like it dirty with a splash of olive brine, others prefer it bone dry with barely a whisper of vermouth. And while tradition says to stir, we won’t judge if you shake it like James Bond. Whether you're sipping one on a porch swing at sunset or serving it up for cocktail hour, the martini is a timeless favorite that can be as refined—or as bold—as you like.