Martinis are considered one of the most intimidating cocktails to make for at-home bartenders. We're here to give you the knowledge and tools to help you Master the Martini.
Start with the right tools
Every great martini starts with having the proper tools. We suggest stocking your bar cart with the following tools: mixing glass, ice, a strainer, and a stirrer.
Master the Martini Lingo
There are a lot of daunting terms associated with Martinis. Here's your quick guide to some of the most common terminology.
1
To Vermouth, or not to Vermouth?
Vermouth is a type of flavored wine that you can add to your martini to make it dry or sweet. When you hear someone order a "dry" martini that doesn't mean that they are asking for you to add additional Dry Vermouth to their cocktail. What they're actually asking for is the use of less Vermouth. With a dry Vermouth you're adding in a couple of drops. An "extra dry" martini consists of one to two drops of Dry Vermouth. In some cases this could also mean none at all. A "wet" martini has an equal ratio of liquor to Dry Vermouth. And lastly, a "perfect" martini has an equal ratio of Dry and Sweet Vermouth.
2
Shake or Stir?
When a guest orders their Martini 'shaken' they are asking that you shake the alcohol of their choice win ia cocktail shaker prior to straining it into the cocktail glass. While a guest who orders their martini 'stirred' is looking for you to place the alcohol of their choice into a mixing glass filled with ice where you will then stir with a bar spoon. Often times people who want a smoother drink (free from the risk of any ice shards) will order their martini stirred, not shaken.
3
Dirty, Gibson or Vesper?
While a Gibson martini can be made with gin or vodka, this drink is garnished with a pearl onion instead of the traditional olive or lemon twist. A Dirty martini is served with a splash of olive juice - be sure to ask your guest how dirty they would like it to inform you of how much olive juice to add. Lastly, we have the Vesper martini which is served with gin, vodka and bitter wine aperitif. This last one is not for the faint of heart!
Now you're ready to Master your Martini
Grey Goose Martini Cocktail
Here's how you make it: Fill a mixing glass with ice. Then, add Grey Goose Vodka, Vermouth and a dash of Orange Bitters. Stir the ingredients deliberately, and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Finally, garnish your cocktail with a lemon twist.
To make the cocktail, you will need: 2 1/2 Parts Grey Goose Vodka 1/2 Part Martini & Rossi Dry Vermouth 1 Dash orange bitters Lemon twist
Bombay Sapphire Martini Cocktail
To make this martini, start by filling a mixing glass with ice. Next, add Bombay Sapphire Gin and Vermouth and stir the ingredients deliberately. Strain the contents into a chilled cocktail glass, and finish off by garnishing your cocktail with olives.
To make this cocktail you will need: 2 parts Bombay Sapphire Gin 3/4 part Martini & Rossi Extra Dry Vermouth Olives.
