Although the martini might seem like a minimalistic cocktail at first, the nuances involved in crafting the perfect one is rather delicate. It was Bond’s favourite drink for a reason and found its place as an iconic cocktail beyond just an artisanal bar drink. While many classics may have followed, to provide fruitier and delicate flavours, it is the whiff of mystery that surrounds this 19th century cocktail that is undeniably fascinating. While some say that it might be a derivative of the Manhattan that was first called the Martinez, most others believe that the drink hails from Martinez in California, where it was believed to have been created during the mid-1800s Gold Rush by a miner who – quite literally struck gold.
Following his grand discovery, when the newly rich fortune-hunter headed over to a local bar to celebrate, he insisted on creating something new from the alcohol on hand – mixing up gin, vermouth, bitters, maraschino liqueur and a slice of lemon, since he found out that they’d run out of champagne. The ‘gold digger,’ who went on to recreate his mixology magic in San Fransisco, became a thing of the time until it first appeared in print in the Bartender’s Manual in the 1880s. Another theory goes that bartender Jerry Thomas, of the Occidental Hotel in San Francisco first made this as early as the 1860s, for travellers heading to the nearby city of Martinez.
Also Read: Your Guide To The Different Types Of Vodka
Stir, Don’t Shake
In an attempt to quote 007, and order a martini ‘shaken, not stirred,’ it’s worth noting that making one in reverse has its own benefits; because stirring the cocktail means that the drink is relatively less diluted and produces much smoother final product.
Gin Vs. Vodka
While both spirits are used frequently for a modern martini, gin is the historical precedent. However, if vodka is what you prefer, make some with it anyway. For a classic cocktail, opt for gin or simply use both in a Vesper Martini.
Must Have Vermouth
If vermouth is a new experience for you, you might feel like avoiding it, especially when you’re hesitant about mixing alcohols. But it’s an essential part of what makes a martini, a martini.
Balance For Crispness
Since the room for error is very little while making a martini, resisting the urge to add more ingredients (unless you’re making a flavoured martini), is advisable. Be mindful of the proportions and keep it simple to truly emphasise the subtlety of this cocktail.
Martini Serving Glass
Opt for a slender stem and classic silhouette of the martini glass to exude sophistication, as a way of highlighting its simplicity. Chilling the glass in the freezer for a few minutes also adds a delightful icy touch while savouring your drink.