Shaking a Martini in a cocktail shaker will intensify the flavour of the ingredients as tiny air bubbles are formed in the liquid. However, if it is shaken for too long, the melted ice can water down the liquid and spoil it, and tiny pieces of cracked ice can ‘bruise’ the spirit.

Stirring a Martini involves pouring a splash of vermouth into an ice filled cocktail shaker, and stirring until the vermouth coats the ice. Pour the vermouth away and then add the gin or vodka, stirring 20 times before straining into a Martini glass. The benefit of stirring is that it makes the finished product clearer and stronger, and many Mixologists argue that it makes the best tasting Martini.

If you don’t have a cocktail shaker, you can use the ‘Swirl and Shake’ method. This method involves swirling a small amount of vermouth in the glass before shaking it out and pouring the gin straight from the bottle. This leaves leaving the subtle flavour of the vermouth behind in the glass which melts into the gin as it is poured. Experimentation will tell you which method works best for you.