This classic gin martini contains three ingredients: gin, vermouth, and a dash of orange bitters.
Garnish with a lemon twist and this quick and easy cocktail is ready.
It is difficult to top the gin martini for pure beauty in a cocktail.
Sam Schick
Add a single dash of orange bitters and it’s possible for you to practically call it a day.
Together, its a marriage of nuance and savory intrigue.
What’s a Martini?
Sam Schick
Mencken called, the only American invention as perfect as the sonnet.
Then came the Martinez which is known to be the direct precursor of the martini.
The Martinez substituted rye for gin and added a splash of maraschino liqueur and a touch of orange bitters.
Sam Schick
And our beloved martini?
At first it was just a Martinez without the maraschino, just gin and sweet vermouth.
When drier, French vermouth became more available, it became the staple drink we know and love today.
Sam Schick
Stirred
Its better to serve a martini stirred.
You should want your martini as pure as it can get.
Shaking your gin and vermouth with ice would simply add too much water to the mix.
Sam Schick
Have your stirring spoon and strainer ready and stir smoothly and quickly in a mixing glass half-filled with ice.
Experiment with 15, 20, and 30 second stirs to dial it into your own taste.
The Martini Glass (and Others)
Think you know how a martini ought to be served?
In theory, the martini glass was designed for practicality as much as it was for art.
A Nick & Nora or coupe glass is elegant, and more practical.
No matter your glass, ensure to chill it beforehand.
This will go a long, long way toward helping you keep an ideal temperature for your cocktail.
How to Garnish a Martini
There is garnishing for show, and then theres garnishing for taste.
An olive provides a savory touch but does make for a nice complement to the gin.
Add the gin, vermouth, and orange bitters to a mixing glass with ice.
Stir between 20 to 30 seconds at most.
Strain cocktail into a chilled coupe, Nick & Nora, or martini glass.
