The primary ingredient in a traditional martini is gin. A classic martini is made with a base of gin, which provides the drink with its distinctive herbal and botanical flavors. The gin is typically mixed with a small amount of dry vermouth and is served straight up or on the rocks, garnished with either an olive or a lemon twist. Variations exist, including the vodka martini, which replaces gin with vodka, but traditionalists often prefer the classic gin recipe. The martini has a storied history and continues to be a popular cocktail choice worldwide.