A classic Martini is garnished with what?

A classic Martini is typically garnished with an olive. This garnish adds a touch of flavor and complements the cocktail’s dry and crisp profile, enhancing the drinking experience. Olives also visually represent the sophistication often associated with this iconic drink. The traditional olive garnish can be either a simple green olive or a stuffed variety, such as those with pimentos.

In contrast, a cherry is more commonly associated with sweeter cocktails, such as Manhattans or certain tropical drinks, while cucumber might be used in drinks that aim for a refreshing essence, not the classic Martini. An onion is the garnish for a variation of the Martini known as a Gibson, which alters the classic recipe slightly. Therefore, garnishing a classic Martini with an olive aligns with its established tradition in cocktail culture.