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Mixology Basics: The Martini

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Mixology Basics: The Martini

Mixology Basics

The Martini drinker is a special breed: suave and often literary.  Are you ready to join the club? Make yourself a Martini and see if you get the urge to write. You'll be in good company.

Martini Drinkers who were also famous writers:

  • Ernest Hemmingway
  • Noel Coward
  • Anne Sexton
  • Ian Flemming
  • Dashiell Hammett
  • E. B. White
  • Dorothy Parker
  • F. Scott Fitzgerald

Here is my favorite version of the Martini:

The Martini

  • 2 oz, 60 ml Plymouth Gin
  • 1 oz, 30 ml Dry Vermouth, preferably Dolin
  • 1 dash Orange bitters
  • Garnish: Lemon Twist

Add the ingredients into a mixing glass filled with ice and stir until well chilled. Pour into a chilled Martini or Nick and Nora glass. Twist some lemon peel over the drink to express the oils and rest the lemon twist on the rim of the glass.  

Photo by Rick Barrett

The Martinez, considered the forerunner of the Martini, is a fun variation to try.

The Martinez

  • 1.5 oz, 45 ml Bar Hill Reserve Tom Cat Gin or any good quality Old Tom Gin.
  • 1.5 oz, 45 ml Sweet vermouth, preferably Carpano Antica Formula
  • 1 tsp Luxardo maraschino liquor
  • 2 Dashes Orange Bitters
  • Garnish: Lemon twist

Add the ingredients into a mixing glass filled with ice and stir until well chilled. Pour into a chilled Nick and Nora glass. Twist some lemon peel over the drink to express the oils and rest the lemon twist on the rim of the glass.  

A Word About Bitters

Photo by Cottonbro Studio

Originally developed as medicines flavored with botanicals, bitters began flavoring cocktails as early as the 1800s. The bitter flavor balances out the typical sour and sweet flavors and adds another layer of complexity.

Bitters now come in a dizzying array of flavors but for your basic bar set up you'll need only three:

By now you have a few bottles of liquor, some syrups, and bitters and you're ready to start growing your cocktail repertoire.

Cheers!

Darcy

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