
Glassware: Cocktail Glass
1.5 oz. Citadelle Gin
1.5 oz. Carpano Dry Vermouth
1 Dash of Orange Bitters
Garnish: Lemon Twist
Directions: Combine ingredients in a mixing glass filled with ice. Stir to a 40 count or until the glass is properly chilled. Strain, garnish, serve and enjoy!
Story: When it comes to making great and enjoyable beverages, the classics are where it starts, and very few beverages are as classic as a Martini. This icon has been enjoyed on the silver screen for decades, and instantly is one of the most recognizable words when it comes to cocktails. However, what truly makes the knowledge of this tipple so important is not only its fame, not only its legend, but also the way it is interpreted. To that aspect, to properly interpret a Martini, it must be understood that a Martini is just not a recipe, it is a conversation.
The first part of the conversation begins exactly when one person says, “I would love a Martini.” From there, the conversation begins to decide how this beverage will take life. 1) Gin or Vodka (while Gin is believed to be the originator, there is no doubting the popularity of Vodka). This single question is going to set the tone for how this drink turns out. 2) Vermouth, its type and the amount desired must be determined. Some say the original Martini used sweet vermouth, and today the course of vernacular with respect to the Martini can be too hard to decipher. 3) Shaken or stirred, and no this isn’t just a James Bond thing. Shaking provides a quick chill and introduces more water faster, adding for a more approachable bouquet; stirring provides texture, thick and silky like taking a spirit and chilling it overnight. 4) Glassware. Up (in a cocktail glass) or on the rocks (in a rocks glass over ice) determines how the drink will age with every sip (getting lighter or stronger). 5) Garnish, and this is truly a game changer. The zest of fresh oil that a twist provides vs. the salty briny flavors of an olive will either make you love this cocktail or detest it, depending on your own personal taste.
While this may seem like quite an in-depth conversation, for a simple drink that every bar should know how to make, the good news is, it’s a conversation that can be had, and then had again, and debated upon, and then tried and tested endless times.
To kick off 2023, keep to the basics, and start with a good conversation, and maybe have a Martini, or 3.