A Martini is an alcoholic drink made classically with gin and vermouth and served with a green
olive (when served with coctail onions the drink is called a "Gibson").
It is served chilled, often by
ice in a specific shaker, then drained into the signature-style glass.
The
ratio of the two liquids is
5:
1 (traditionally, 2 and
one half ounces of gin to half an ounce of vermouth) usually, though by changing this, a person can make the drink "drier" (more gin) or "wetter" (less gin) depending on his tastes.
Martinis can also be made with other alcoholic bases, the most common alternative to gin being vodka (often called a Vodka Martini, Vodkatini, or Kangaroo)
Other variations of the Martini centre around the inclusion of other
alcohol or flavours in the drink.
Bill:
Hey, want to go drinking tonight, you know, pick up a few foaties of Olde English 800?
Steve: Nah, that stuff sucks balls. Let's get some Martinis down at the
bar.
Bill:
Sweet.