Day 4- The Classic Martini

"I Like my Martini Shaken, not Stirred"-Sean Connery as James Bond in GoldFinger

The Martini is by far the most popular drink in the History of cocktails. There are so many variations of a Martini, From Cosmos, to Appletinis, to Chocolate to just about any flavor you want. But there is only one "Classic Martini".

Classic Martini
2 1/2 oz Gin
1/2 oz Dry Vermouth
1 olive or Lemon Twist
Optional- Orange or Angostura Bitters

Pour the ingredients into a mixing glass filled with ice cubes .Stir for 30 seconds .Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Add a dash of orange or Angostura bitters, if desired. .Garnish with olive or lemon twist

One theory of the origin of the Martini is set in the Knickerbocker Hotel in New York City in 1911. Supposedly, the bartender who created it was named Martini. Another theory claims that in 1870 a gold prospector struck it rich mining gold. To celebrate the miner went to Julio Richelieu’s Saloon for Champagne. The bar was completely out of Champagne so the bartender mixed up a special cocktail. Richelieu gave the miner a small cocktail with an olive in the glass. He called it the Martinez after the California town.

Now whether it was First made in NYC or by some Gold prospectors, this drink is widely the most popular and most well known drink in the world. But an even more important question..... Should a Martini be shaken or stirred???

Shaking the Martini makes it colder. In fact makes it Ice Cold. In the 1950s, most of the vodka that was available was distilled from potatoes. Potato vodka is very oily and by shaking it, disperses the oil. So those that rather had Vodka than Gin for their Martini usually wanted them Shaken.

Some connoisseurs, however, are horrified at the notion of shaking a martini. Shaking is believed to "bruise" the gin, causing it to taste slightly bitter. Shaken martinis also have a cloudier appearance, caused by small ice fragments created when the cocktail is shaken.

So after my research I can contend that its all to your personal taste. Myself personally I enjoy my Martini Shaken lightly with a Lemon peel for garnish. Oh and occasionally I enjoy a "Dirty Martini". But I like my dirty with Beefeater Gin, extra dry and extra dirty..



So if you enjoy Cosmos, Appletinis, and many of the modern day flavored martinis, take a little time and have yourself a classic Martini. I guarantee you wont be disappointed!!

Until next time
Mr.Mixologist