a Martini

Friday, April 1, 2011

Few cocktails are more classic than a Martini, but the modern combination of gin and vermouth topped off with a salty cocktail olive is a far cry from the original libation. It's not a bad drink, but believe me when I say it gets even better!


a Martini

1 1/2 oz of gin
1/2 oz of dry vermouth
a dash of orange bitters

Combine gin, vermouth and orange bitters in a beaker or pitcher; stir vigorously for 20-30 seconds. Be careful not to over-dilute (barkeeps call this "bruising").


Notes: As always, John and I prefer Plymouth gin in this classic, but if you're grabbing something from the cabinet, pick Beefeater over Bombay. Stay away from boutique gins like Henderick's, Tanqueray and Blue Coat; they're the gin equivalent of flavored vodkas.

Cheers, darlings!



Photo by Romulo Yanes for Gourmet.

28 comments:

  1. Sounds deliciously promising! - cheers!
    Lena, hope you have a marvellous weekend!
    xo, Gabriella

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  2. I'm a martini girl, at heart. It was the first thing I wanted after having the little one, haha!

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  3. I am eventually finally learning more and more about alcohol. It seems a funny thing to "learn" but I love knowing how to mix drinks just right! Off to buy some beefeater, ahah.

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  4. my Grandpa can make a martini to knock you on your botty let me tell ya! But this sounds and looks liek I might be able to take it lol

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  5. I'd have to go with a vodka martini instead of gin, gin tastes like pine needles to me.

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  7. i have to try this..i've never been much of a gin drinker, but good tips on which ones to stay away from! this is probably sinful to a martini purist, but i take mine with top shelf vodka, a splash of vermouth and generous helping of olive juice.

    xo.ashley

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  8. i'm not a fan of martinis but my husband loves them - i actually picked up some olive juice {which is for some reason hard to find} at a local winery last week and it was perfect for his dirty martini.

    happy friday!

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  9. Lena, this may shock, but I can't deal with the taste of martinis.

    I know.

    Cowering behind the bar with my bellini over here ;)

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  10. the perfect recipe to kick off the weekend!!!

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  11. you can never go bad with a classic martini

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  12. Ladies, it took me a LONG time to like the taste of martinis. The orange bitters help IMMENSELY, as does drinking it ice cold, when nothing tastes like much anyway!

    And for those of you who prefer your martinis dirty or with vodka, don't be ashamed-they're your cocktails, after all!

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  13. So classic! Enjoy your weekend!!

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  14. Plymouth gin, check. Been needing to add a gin to my repertoire!

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  15. I've only ever had super girly martinis but I think I'd need to try this! This sounds like the real deal, Lena :) Happy Friday gorgeous xo

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  16. I think we need to make a couple of martinis this weekend!

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  17. i cant wait till our bar area in the basement is done so I can start to make these drinks you post about for guests :)

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  18. ive never had a martini... but i love gin and thanks for the gin tips!

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  19. martinis for all! have a good weekend!

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  20. That sounds so good right now!

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  21. I love mine with extra olives.

    On Fridays, I like to pretend you and your hubby have been having little drink photo shoots all week and taste testing. Sounds fabulous!

    Have a good one ;)

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  22. Nikki, I'm embarrassed to admit you're not far off! Although I couldn't take such gorgeous photos-I don't even know where my camera IS!

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  23. it's friday and i.am.ready. bottoms up!

    xo,
    c

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  24. Every Friday you get me so excited for a weekend kickoff cocktail with your delicious recipes! I hope one of these days we can enjoy one together! Have a lovely weekend, lovely! xo Samantha

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  25. Nothing better than a classic Martini!!! Although I do like mine with vodka better...Ketel One, dirty and 3 olives!! Yummy!

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  26. Adore the perfect martini bianco!!!!Even to celebrate the week start! Happy Monday!!!

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