Imagine stepping into a place steeped in history, where literary giants like Hemingway sipped cocktails and where expats found a piece of home away from home. This isn’t just any bar—this is Harry’s New York Bar in Paris, a legendary spot that has inspired cocktail lovers around the world. If you can’t make it to Paris right now, don’t worry. We’re bringing a piece of Harry’s charm directly to your home with one of the bar’s signature drinks: the Classic Martini.
In this Passport & Pours recommendation, you’ll learn how to craft this sophisticated cocktail, capture the essence of Harry’s New York Bar, and savor a taste of cocktail history, no plane ticket required.
A Taste of History: The Legacy of Harry’s New York Bar
Before we dive into mixing up your Martini, let’s explore why Harry’s New York Bar holds such an iconic place in cocktail culture. Located in the heart of Paris on Rue Daunou, this establishment opened in 1911 and quickly became a hub for American expats, artists, and writers. What started as a small bar shipped piece by piece from New York soon became a Parisian institution, frequented by luminaries like Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and Coco Chanel. If you’re interested in discovering more about Paris’s vibrant cocktail scene, check out our guide to Uncovering Paris’ 5 Best Cocktail Bars, where Harry’s is a must-visit.
This historic bar is also credited with the invention of several cocktails that have become household names, such as the Bloody Mary and French 75. But one drink stands out above the rest: the Classic Martini. Timeless and elegant, the Martini embodies the sophistication of Harry’s, making it the perfect cocktail to recreate in your home bar.
Crafting the Classic Martini
The Martini may seem simple, but it’s all about balance and quality. Here’s how to make your own Classic Martini, inspired by the tradition of Harry’s New York Bar.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz gin (choose a quality gin like Tanqueray, Beefeater, or Bombay Sapphire)
- ½ oz dry vermouth (such as Noilly Prat or Dolin)
- Ice
- Lemon twist or olive for garnish
Equipment:
- Mixing glass
- Bar spoon
- Jigger (for precise measurements)
- Strainer
- Chilled martini glass
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Chill the Glass: Place your martini glass in the freezer for a few minutes or fill it with ice while you prepare your cocktail. A chilled glass keeps your Martini cold and crisp from the first sip to the last.
- Measure and Pour the Gin and Vermouth: Using your jigger, measure out 2 oz of gin and ½ oz of dry vermouth. The ratio of gin to vermouth is key—while some people prefer their Martini “dry” (with less vermouth), Harry’s recipe sticks to the classic proportions, allowing both ingredients to shine.
- Stir, Don’t Shake: In a mixing glass, add plenty of ice and pour in your gin and vermouth. Stir the mixture gently for about 20 to 30 seconds. Unlike James Bond’s infamous request for a “shaken, not stirred” Martini, the traditional method is stirring, which creates a smoother, more velvety texture. Stirring also keeps the drink crystal clear and prevents excessive dilution.
- Strain into the Glass: Discard the ice from your chilled martini glass and strain the cocktail into it. This should create a clean, elegant pour, with no ice shards making their way into your drink.
- Garnish and Serve: Choose your garnish based on your personal preference. A lemon twist adds a bright citrus note that complements the botanicals in the gin, while an olive provides a savory, briny touch. Either way, your Martini will look and taste just as sophisticated as the ones served at Harry’s New York Bar.
And voilà! You’ve just created a piece of cocktail history in your own home.
Why the Classic Martini Embodies Harry’s Spirit
What makes the Classic Martini more than just another cocktail? It’s the simplicity paired with elegance that echoes Harry’s New York Bar itself. With just a few ingredients, you can create something that feels refined and timeless—just like sitting at the bar in Paris, surrounded by nearly 100 years of cocktail history.
While many bars today add modern twists to their Martini, Harry’s continues to serve theirs in the same style they’ve perfected over the decades. No frills, no fancy infusions—just quality gin, vermouth, and the perfect garnish. It’s a drink that speaks to a time when things were simpler yet sophisticated, where great minds gathered to share stories and ideas over expertly crafted cocktails.
Tips for Perfecting Your Martini
- Use Quality Ingredients: A great Martini is only as good as the gin and vermouth you use. Opt for mid- to high-shelf spirits to ensure the best flavor. For a more aromatic gin, try something like Monkey 47 or Hendrick’s, but the classic dry gin choices will never steer you wrong.
- Experiment with Vermouth Ratios: If you prefer a drier Martini, reduce the vermouth to just a splash or rinse the glass with it before pouring in the gin. For a wetter Martini, try equal parts gin and vermouth. The Martini’s beauty lies in its versatility, so feel free to adjust it to suit your taste.
- Chill Everything: The Martini is best enjoyed ice cold, so make sure your glass, spirits, and mixing tools are all as frosty as possible.
- Garnish Wisely: While a lemon twist or olive is traditional, you can experiment with other garnishes like a cocktail onion (to make a Gibson) or a dash of orange bitters for a slightly spicier profile.
Transport Yourself to Paris, One Sip at a Time
While you may not be able to hop on a plane to Paris today, mixing up a Classic Martini can bring you a little closer to the experience of Harry’s New York Bar. As you sip your Martini, imagine sitting on one of the iconic red leather stools, soaking in the lively conversation around you, and feeling the weight of history that has made Harry’s a must-visit for cocktail enthusiasts.
This timeless cocktail isn’t just a drink; it’s an invitation to explore the past, celebrate the present, and maybe even dream about your next adventure. So, whether you’re shaking up a Martini for yourself after a long day or mixing drinks for friends during a dinner party, you’re not just making a cocktail—you’re sharing in the tradition of one of the world’s most storied bars.
Cheers to Your Home Bar
Now that you’ve perfected the Classic Martini, why not explore other iconic cocktails from Harry’s New York Bar? You can try their famous Bloody Mary or a French 75 for another taste of Parisian cocktail culture. And remember, cocktail crafting is as much about the experience as it is about the drink itself. So take your time, savor each step, and enjoy the process of bringing a little bit of Harry’s magic into your home.
Ready to raise your glass? Cheers to good company, great cocktails, and the spirit of exploration—both at home and abroad.