The World Famous Martini Page

 

The Martini has long been a favorite here. I love to make 'um. I love to drink 'um. I love to make them for my friends (It's the only reason I ever get invited to parties, really). But, the creation of this fine libation remains for many, a mystery. And as always, I'm here to help. So lets get to the bottom of it (pun intended!).

What is a Martini?

A real Martini is simply Gin or Vodka, Dry Vermouth, and an olive or lemon twist. Sometimes even an onion.....Yuk!

Gin or Vodka?

They are distilled almost identically, but Vodka lacks one very flavorful ingredient, the juniper. Much like Absolut Citron is just lemon flavored Vodka. Gin is essentially just juniper flavored Vodka.

Why is that a real Martini. What about all of the different variations?

The bartenders of America would love for you to think that anything they shake with ice and strain into a glass is a Martini. Why? Because if you come strolling up to the bar and order a Martini, you are cool. Hey, 007 drinks them and he's the coolest guy in the world. Right? A few exceptions aside, most so called "Martini's" are just cocktails. Martini purists even argue that the Vodka Martini isn't a real Martini, and should be called a "Vodkatini". I don't subscribe to the purist point of view, I take life a little less seriously. You want to call it a Martini, fine with me. Just make sure I get one! I think some of the best drinks on earth are variations of the "Original". But remember, if you walk up to a bar and just order "a Martini", by default you should get a Gin Martini (or an odd stare from the bartender).

What do I need to get started?

If you want to drink Martini's, go gotta do it right. Martini glasses are a must! A good shaker (glass or steel) with stir stick and strainer, olive picks, and a jigger, it's that metal shot glass with the large (1-1/2ozs.) and small (3/4oz.) sides.

What is a Dry Martini?

"Dry" is when you use less Vermouth. The "cool" bartenders just swirl the Vermouth around the inside of the glass and pour out the excess, leaving a thin coat of cold Vermouth and only Gin to be shaken.

Shaken or Stirred?
It's all up to you. You should only do either for 8 to 10 seconds, because you want the drink to be cold, but not watered down. And while we are on the subject, you should use clean, whole cubed or cracked ice, not the crushed or shaved stuff. Your Martini should have the cold clarity of the arctic ocean when poured, not cloudy.

When can I eat the olive?

That question was answered long ago by the man himself.... Frank Sinatra. Frank says you should always have two olives, one for you and one for the next beautiful girl to walk through the door. We sure miss that guy.

If you think you have what it takes, here are some of my favorite recipes. Enjoy!

 


 

The Original

The Vodka Martini

This truly is the drink of salty boat captains and lounge singers.

  • 3 ounces Gin
  • 3/4 ounce Dry Vermouth
  • An olive (Two, if you're Bad)
  1. Chill glass and Gin in freezer, and Vermouth in refrigerator.
  2. Pour Gin into shaker with ice.
  3. Allow Gin and ice time to get acquainted.
  4. Pour Vermouth.
  5. Shake or Stir
  6. Strain and pour.
  7. Casually introduce the olive.
  8. Enjoy.

The tie is black, the smirk is undeniable and the drink is "Shaken not Stirred". This is Bond's drink baby....Don't disrespect it.

  • 3 ounces Grey Goose Vodka
  • 3/4 ounce Dry Vermouth
  • Olives
  1. Chill glass and Vodka in freezer, and Vermouth in refrigerator.
  2. Pour Vodka into Shaker with ice.
  3. Pour Vermouth
  4. Shake....Always Shake.
  5. Strain and pour.
  6. Two olives....Always two olives.
  7. Enjoy.

The Lemon Drop

The Cosmopolitan

The best drink on Earth. Make these at a party and you will be invited back!

  • 3 ounces Absolut Citron
  • 1-1/2 ounces Cointreau
  • Juice from 1/2 lemon
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • Lemon twist
  1. Get the largest, softest, juiciest (Very Important) lemon you can find.
  2. Cut the ends off to expose just a little flesh. Then cut the lemon in half lengthwise.
  3. Cut a quarter inch strip of peel of off each half, for your lemon twist.
  4. Wet the circumference of the rim of cocktail glass with lemon juice, then coat with sugar. The more, the better.
  5. Throw the glass in the freezer while you make the drink.
  6. Fill your shaker with ice.
  7. Add one teaspoon of sugar.
  8. Squeeze every last drop from one of your lemon halves, then throw in the rind.
  9. Add Cointreau
  10. Add frozen Absolut Citron.
  11. Shake vigorously for at least 30 seconds.
  12. Strain and pour.
  13. Throw in lemon twist.
  14. Enjoy while it's still cold.

This is Oprah's favorite drink, Carter's too! This recipe is from the FiftySeven FiftySeven Restaurant and Bar located in New York City's Four Seasons hotel.

  • 3 ounces Absolut Citron
  • 1 to 1-1/2 ounces Cointreau
  • Juice of 1/2 lime
  • Splash of cranberry juice
  • Lemon twist
  1. Chill glass and Vodka in freezer
  2. Fill your shaker with ice.
  3. Add frozen Absolut Citron.
  4. Add Cointreau
  5. Add lime juice
  6. Add splash of cranberry juice
  7. Shake well
  8. Strain and pour.
  9. Garnish with Lemon twist
  10. Enjoy

Dry Citrus Martini

The Manhattan

This drink is great if you are making Lemon Drops, and somebody asks for something "Not so sweet". Shake this drink with the same ice you used to make Lemon Drops. The residual sugar and lemon make this a tasty treat, not just cold vodka.

  • 4 ounces Absolut Citron
  • Splash of Cointreau (Optional)
  • Lemon twist
  1. Pour Citron over "Dirty" ice
  2. Add Splash of Cointreau
  3. Shake wildly
  4. Strain and pour
  5. Garnish with Lemon twist
  6. Enjoy

Not a big fan of vodka? Try the Manhattan. Some people prefer their bourbon untainted by garnishes. Our friend Mr. McHale say's "Cherries are for diet soda or sixteen-year-old girls". I agree, cherries are for sixteen-year-old girls.

  • 3 ounces Maker's Mark bourbon
  • 1-1/2 ounces Sweet Vermouth
  • Dash of Angostura bitters
  • 1 Maraschino cherry
  1. Chill glass in freezer.
  2. Pour Maker's into shaker with ice.
  3. Add Vermouth.
  4. Add dash of bitters.
  5. Stir or Shake.
  6. Strain and pour.
  7. Add cherry.
  8. Enjoy.