What Is Martha Stewart’s Martini Order?

When it comes to margaritas, I tend to order based on my mood. Perhaps I want something spicy, or if it’s a hot summer day, I’ll likely opt for a frozen version of the cocktail. But if we’re talking about martinis, I order the same thing every time: a dry gin martini — Fords, please — with a twist.

If you’re a martini drinker, I’d hazard a guess that you have your own go-to order. The way you like your martini feels almost intimate, like it’s a personality test. Perhaps this is why I was thrilled to learn about Martha Stewart’s preferred martini, or as she calls it, a “Martha-tini.”

Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to talk with Stewart about her upcoming cooking competition television show, Yes, Chef!. We sat in a comfortable room near the set, and as I peppered the culinary icon and her co-host José Andrés with questions about the new series, someone briefly interrupted to deliver what looked like an icy cold martini to Martha Stewart. 

I quickly asked what it was, and Stewart said, “It’s a Martha-tini,” a response that only piqued my interest further. The businesswoman and hosting expert was quick to note that she wasn’t drinking a martini in the middle of our interview; instead, she was tasting it to ensure the culinary team had prepared the recipe correctly before they served the same drink to more people that night.

Fortunately for all of us, I probed a bit further, and I can now share what it takes to make Martha Stewart’s perfect martini. Who knows, perhaps you’ll enjoy it so much that it’ll replace your usual order.

What is in a Martha-tini?

As Martha Stewart explained to me, “I have a restaurant in Las Vegas and these drinks are actually the drinks we serve at the bar there. We have a large bar, so my Martha-tini uses Zubrówka vodka and lemon and shards of ice and it’s very cold and good.”

Located in Caesars Entertainment’s Paris Las Vegas hotel, Martha Stewart’s restaurant The Bedford serves her perfect Martha-tini. But if you can’t make a quick trip to Vegas, you can easily recreate it at home. 

Although Martha didn’t mention it while we were chatting, her Martha-tini usually includes dry vermouth. I was able to taste one while with her, and it had the undeniably aromatic and smooth undertone of vermouth, and her menu at The Bedford notes that the Martha-tini includes dry vermouth, a lemon twist, and Zubrówka Bison Grass Vodka.

What is bison grass vodka?

Bison grass vodka is technically what it sounds like — vodka that has been infused with bison grass — but there are a few important caveats. To start, bison grass is actually an herb, often referred to as sweetgrass due to its sweet scent. It’s primarily called bison grass by the Polish distillers who use it to flavor vodka with subtle, herbaceous notes.

Zubrówka is by far the most prevalent brand of bison grass vodka — so much so that even though the brand offers other vodka varieties, its name has become almost synonymous with bison grass vodka. Each bottle holds a single piece of bison grass, but this is merely for show. Instead, the rye vodka is infused with dried bison grass prior to bottling.

The bison grass imparts more flavor than you might find in many other vodkas. Some common tasting notes attributed to Zubrówka include vanilla, lavender, hay, and coconut. If you haven’t enjoyed vodka martinis before, the more complex notes in this spirit might convert you.

How do you get shards of ice in a martini?

There are two key components you’ll need to create a Martha-tini with shards of ice floating on top. First, you must shake the martini, not stir it. Second, you’ll need a cocktail shaker. Any shaker will work, but avoid using a fine mesh strainer or double strainer to filter this martini.

Combine the vodka, vermouth, and plenty of ice in the shaker. Shake vigorously — those shards of ice in the martini are little pieces that have broken off ice cubes, so you need to use some force — then strain the martini through the lid of the shaker into your glass. By not using a fine mesh strainer, you’ll allow some of those tiny shards of ice to slip through, producing the perfect Martha-tini.