Enjoy a Friday Cocktail!
The Friday Cocktail will be a regular feature of this site, though not necessarily weekly. And it fits in nicely with the theme of this blog. Up first, The Classic Martini.
The origins of the martini date back as early as the 1860s, but the drink as we know it today was “standardized” by the 1920s. That standardization can be considered loosely as this is one drink that often varies by one’s taste.
What you’ll need: Gin, Vermouth (Dry), and Spanish olives
Chill a 3 ounce martini glass in the refrigerator in advance or put some crushed ice in your glass with a little water and set it aside while you mix up your cocktail. In a shaker, pour 2 ounces Gin and then 1/2 ounce Vermouth over cracked ice. Then shake (or stir) briskly. Strain into your chilled glass. Garnish with Spanish olives.
They way I like it:
I prefer my gin to be Bombay Sapphire Dry Gin together with Martini & Rossi Extra Dry Vermouth. Sometimes I like a shade more gin than the amount above. And I always have my gin martinis with olives. Occasionally, I’ll have a Dirty Martini (just add a 1/2 teaspoon of olive juice). Or for an extra kick I recommend using Spanish olives stuffed with blue cheese as an alternative to the usual pimentos.
For a long time this was a signature drink for me. One I ordered when something else didn’t appeal or catch my interest while dining out. The recipe I’ve given is just one of several variations of this classic cocktail. Check out a bartending guide like Mr. Boston or search the internet for other recipes. Martinis are a very personalized drink. And some prefer vodka instead of gin or a lemon twist instead of olives. Cocktails are very much a matter of personal taste and the right proportions to suit.
Just remember, drink responsibly.
The Poisoned Martini 