Classic Cocktails: The Martini

Every bar, every restaurant, every venue that you attend, a Martini will be on the menu.

It’s simple, classic, and for many, it’s their go-to cocktail. The nice thing about the Martini is the little number of ingredients that are needed. Just gin or vodka, vermouth, and a garnish that is usually a lemon peel or olive. Most people will already have these ingredients on hand.

Martinis have been around since the early 1800s and while the origin has gone through a game of telephone, the drink is a classic. With so many variations of this drink, there’s bound to be one that’s suitable to everyone’s liking.

Here a few things to keep in mind when ordering a Martini:

•     A dry Martini is made with little to no dry vermouth.
•     A perfect Martini will have both dry and sweet vermouth.
•     A dirty Martini contains olive brine or juice.

Here is a classic recipe for this classic cocktail.

The Martini

Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 oz. Gin or Vodka
• 1/2 oz. Dry Vermouth
• Ice
• Lemon Peel or Olives

Preparation: Chill the Martini glass before serving by placing it in the freezer. Place the gin or vodka and dry vermouth into a mixing glass. Add ice and stir for 30 seconds. Strain the mixture into your chilled Martini glass and garnish with a lemon peel or olive.

Tip: Pinch the back of the lemon peel over the Martini. Rub the peel around the rim of the glass then drop it in.

Variations:

The Mocha Martini

A blend of espresso, gin and dark chocolate liqueur is the perfect cocktail to end the night with.

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Martini 1

Impress your friends with this twist on a Martini! The raw white honey syrup gives it just the right amount of sweetness.

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Lemon Meringue Martini

Lemon Meringue pie lovers, this cocktail is for you! This sweet and creamy Martini will be the best drink when rolling into spring.