The classic dry gin martini is iconic and the world’s most famous cocktail. It is one that should be on every bartender’s list of drinks to know. Though many martinishave been created, there is only one martini and few drinks can beat this simple recipe.

There is no mystery to the martini. It is, quite simply, gin and dry vermouth. However, personal preferences among martini lovers make it a little more complicated than that. There are a number of ways to customize it and this has spurred a debate over the “proper” way to make a martini. Though it’s a never-ending discussion, the only correct answer is how you, as the drinker, enjoy it best.

The nice thing about this classic cocktail is that after you fall in love with it, you will know exactly how you like it. Most of this will be adjusting the ratio of gin to vermouth and choosing your preferred garnish. After some experimentation, you may just join the ranks of devoted martini connoisseurs.