Here’s the boring-but-true baseline: a classic cocktail Martini—made with gin and dry vermouth—usually clocks in at about 3 to 4 ounces. That’s the total liquid, including your booze and any dilution from melting ice. And most of that is pure spirit, by the way.
Bartenders call this a “legal” pour, because it fits in a standard 5-ounce cocktail glass. Think of it as the little black dress of drinks: small, elegant, and leaves you wanting another.
But Wait, There’s an “Illegal” Size
If you order a Martini at a dive bar or your uncle’s holiday party, you might get a 5 to 6 ounce monstrosity. These are often served in a larger, tumbler-like glass, and they scream, “I’m here to get wrecked.” Don’t judge—I’ve been that uncle. But it’s not a real Martini if you ask purists.
The IBA (International Bartenders Association—yep, that’s a real thing) says a Martini should be about 3.5 ounces. That’s roughly 2.5 oz of gin, 0.5 oz of dry vermouth, and a splash of water from the ice. Exact science, right? (Spoiler: no one measures that perfectly unless they’re on YouTube.)
Martini Poster - Cocktail Recipe Print - Bar Art - Martini Cocktail
