Dry

Definition:

“Dry” is cocktail code for “less sugar, more sass.” A dry drink leans bitter instead of sweet. When it comes to martinis, ordering one “dry” means the vermouth is basically a background extra; just enough to keep the gin from getting lonely. An “extra dry” martini? That’s where the vermouth just waves at the glass from across the room.

Why it Matters:

Dryness isn’t just about flavor; it’s about personality. A sweet cocktail can be flirty, but a dry one is sharp, sophisticated, and maybe just a little judgmental. It’s the difference between your friend who shows up with cupcakes and the one who brings a black turtleneck and existential questions. Bartenders pay attention to dryness because it tells them whether you want a drink that’s soft and approachable or one that puts hair on your chest.

And when it comes to martinis, “dry” is practically an identity. Order one extra dry and you’re making a statement: “I didn’t come here for vermouth—I came here for gin with attitude.” Knowing how dry you like your cocktails is part of finding your own cocktail voice. After all, every great bar order is a little performance, and “dry” is one of the best one-liners in the script.