Today I look at a cocktail that is sophisticated and elegant. The gin martini rose to popularity during the 1950s and 1960s when having a martini during lunch was seen as the height of social sophistication. This classic cocktail is making a current-day comeback. It was one of the most googled cocktails in 2022.
The martini is a cocktail made with gin and vermouth. It is served in a martini glass and garnished with an olive or a lemon twist.
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Cocktail aficionados dispute the origin of the cocktail. Some people suggest that it was named after the vermouth brand Martini. Another theory suggests that a bartender in San Francisco made it for a miner on his way to Martinez.
The cocktail was mentioned in an old bartenders manual from the 1800s, and it gave the gin to vermouth ratio at 1:1. So 1/2 glass of gin and 1/2 a glass of vermouth. Then the recipe included some bitters added as well. As people’s tastes changed, the ratio of gin to vermouth changed. Over time, the gin to vermouth ratio went up and down from 3:1 to 6:1.
Variations of Martini cocktails
Dirty Martini: The recipe for a dirty martini has a dash of olive brine is added for a salty kick. This should be made with classic London dry gin to ensure the drink balances the added salty notes.
Vodka Martini: In this version, high-quality vodka replaces the gin in this version. James Bond might have requested it “shaken, not stirred” but according to barkeepers, it is better to stir it for a smoother mouth feel.
Vesper Martini: in this recipe, there are both gin, vodka and vermouth in a ratio 3:1:1/2. This was the first drink James Bond ordered in Casino Royale.
Dry Martini: In the recipe for the dry martini, the gin to vermouth ratio becomes bigger. An extra dry martini will have only a drop of vermouth in it.
Perfect Martini: this recipe uses equal amounts of dry and sweet vermouth.
Wet Martini: A wet martini has an equal volume of vermouth to the gin.
Burnt Martini: Similar to the wet version above, but uses vermouth and peaty Scottish whisky. The ratio will be 1:1/2:1/2.
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The Ingredients
Gin: because there is no mix to hide lousy quality gin, it is crucial to use your favourite premium quality gin. A London-style gin with crisp, clean notes should work best. If you choose to make a vodka martini, the same rule applies. Make use of premium unflavoured vodka to ensure the best drinking experience.
Vermouth: Vermouth is a type of fortified wine blended and infused with different herbs and botanicals. After opening the bottle of vermouth, store it in the fridge. Use the best quality vermouth that you can find.
Garnish: The garnish you use is up to you. If you don’t like an olive or two, you can rub a bit of lemon peel around the rim of the glass and drop it into the Martini.
How to make a Gin Martini
Ingredients
- 3 units of gin
- 1 units dry vermouth
- lemon twist or olives
Method
Add the gin, dry vermouth into a mixing glass with ice and stir until very cold.
Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
Garnish the drink with a lemon twist or olives.
Also Read: Bloody Mary Cocktail
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