BevX Cocktails

Martini - BevX take on the original

How have we gone so long without addressing the kingpin of all cocktails, the Martini? This cocktail, perhaps more than any other, is the subject of debate and a serious victim of identity theft. Let’s first deal with the identity theft issue. A Martini is made with Gin and Vermouth, in hotly contested quantities and proportions, chilled on ice, and served neat in a cocktail glass with a garnish (most notably an olive). That’s it. Nothing else is a Martini. Yes, we are aware that there are thousands of drinks that use the moniker “Martini” liberally, but they are simply pretenders – final – end of story.

The debate over the Martini typically centers on the ratio of Vermouth to Gin. It is known that the first Martinis used far more Vermouth than modern versions do. In fact, the first Martini used sweet Vermouth. A century ago, Martinis would typically use a 2-to-1 or 3-to-1 ratio (Gin to Vermouth). Today, the standard ratio ranges from 7-to-1 to 9-to-1. We love the old school approach — modern Martinis are too shy with the Vermouth.

While the amount of Vermouth used is a matter of personal preference, it is certain that a Martini must contain Vermouth. If you seek a Martini so “dry” that you forgo the Vermouth altogether, you are not drinking a Martini, and you should man up and order a chilled, triple Gin served neat.

Ingredients

3 oz. Dry Gin
3/4 oz. Quality Dry Vermouth
Optional - but strongly recommended a green olive or lemon twist garnish

Method

Add a generous portion of ice to a cocktail shaker, then add the Vermouth, followed by the Gin. Stir well for 1 minute, then strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with an olive and hand your car keys to someone trustworthy.