You will need:
- QUALITY vodka. Suggestions include: Ketel One, Vox, Gray Goose, Effen - ah, hell, just go to the liquor store, there's libraries of vodkas out there to choose from. Pick your favorite country.
- Dry vermouth (i.e., Martini & Rossi)
- Ice
- Martini shaker
- Strainer (that weird-looking bar instrument that looks like a holey face with springy hair)
- Martini Glass
- Water
- Garnish of choice (ol standby classic = olives)

1) Fill your martini glass with ice and water. Set aside. This will chill your glass while you're making your drink.
2) Sniff your martini shaker to make sure it smells clean. And when I say clean, I mean, "Nothing." You don't want any remnants of other drinks past rotting the pure martini dream.
3) Fill shaker with ice.
4) Pour vodka into shaker. I do about a "3-count." (Officially - 1 - 1/2 oz vodka)
5) If you are making a "standard" martini, put a quick swirl of vermouth into the shaker (off. 3/4 oz vermouth). If you are making a "dry" martini, skip this step.
6) Put cover on shaker. Shake vigorously. You will feel your hand get cold as you do this - it's kind of cool.
7) Empty martini glass of water & ice.
7a) Now, if you are making a "dry" martini, pour some vermouth into the martini glass. Swirl around to coat inside of glass. Pour excess vermouth out.
8) Open shaker, fit strainer over top, and pour drink into glass.
9) Garnish with olives.
- Other possible garnish: Cocktail onions (you now have a "gibson"), lemon peel, lime peel, etc.
10) Enjoy that smooth vodka goodness!