This is the simplest guide to making the best classic martini. You Will Need -Gin/vodka -Vermouth -A fresh lemon -Martini glasses In Advance -Put the bottle of gin/vodka in the freezer for at least 8 hours. -Rinse the martini glasses under a tap and put them in the freezer for at least 30 minutes. -Note that I keep my gin and glasses in the freezer … Continue reading How to make a classic martini
Most of the time I garnish my martinis with a very simple piece of lemon peel. When I make the drink I take a strip of lemon peel and squeeze it over the glass so as to spray it with fresh lemon oil. After I have squeezed the peel I quickly trim it for presentation and drop it in the drink as a simple garnish … Continue reading Garnishes
I begin with the basics. For reasons I do not understand, a martini must be drunk from the glass which is easiest to spill from and the easiest to break. If you’re too drunk, you might end up spilling the martini before you get the chance to drink it – although this may be a blessing in disguise. I imagine that the long stem allows … Continue reading The Martini Glass
In my mind, a martini should be made with gin, and a little vermouth to temper it. I have made vodka martinis before but I tend not to drink them very often. I had a lovely spicy/dirty vodka martini in an oyster bar in New York once, and a nice basil and chilli vodka martini in London, but ultimately my favourite is the classic gin … Continue reading The Ingredients
One of the most vital elements of a martini is the temperature. It has to be cold. Extremely cold! It is for this reason that I keep the gin and the glasses in the freezer. The glasses should be in there for at least 10 minutes (but preferably a few hours – and I normally just keep them in there permanently). The gin should ideally … Continue reading Temperature
There is one more essential ingredient to my martinis: lemon. It must be fresh and firm, bright and bursting with lemon oil under its skin. It’s this oil that is the key ingredient. Take a normal peeler and skim off a strip of jlemon peel. With the yellow waxy side (not the white pith side) facing down, twist and squeeze the peel over the glass … Continue reading Lemon
Martinis should ideally be served with snacks to compliment the strong, icy flavour of the drink. Olives are always a winner, and there are so many varieties to enjoy. Nuts are also good, as the saltiness goes so well with the martini. I like salted pistachios in their shells most of all. Japanese seaweed snacks work very well. Bombay mix is a classic. Miniature rice … Continue reading Bites
As I have already implied, the act of drinking a martini is almost sacred. If you’re going to consume such a large amount of alcohol in one drink you’ve got to make it count. As such, in addition to the drink itself, the temperature, the accompanying nibbles, etc, you should also consider the location. Unless your temperament suggests otherwise, you wouldn’t want to have one … Continue reading The perfect martini setting
I probably wouldn’t advise drinking a martini alone. Its much more fun with friends or a stunning partner of your choice. You can substitute this with facetime, skype or an old-fashioned phone call but you can’t beat the real thing. Martinis are a special drink so the person or people you drink them with should also be special. Continue reading Company
The Martini Socialist 