All About Martinis: Dry Land Distillers - Nels Wroe
- Jodie Lindsay Popma
- Mar 25
- 3 min read
The Facts
Historically, the ‘perfect Martini’ is made with a 2:1:1 ratio of gin to dry vermouth and sweet vermouth. The drink is an American creation from the late 1800’s that has become a worldwide classic.
Things to Know
If you're new to martinis, order a classic martini, medium dry. A martini is made with gin — unless you specify otherwise, ordering a martini at any bar of good repute will use gin. |f you want a vodka martini, you should specify — order a vodka martini, medium dry.
Fun Fact: When vodka martinis were hitting the scene, they were often called ‘kangaroo martinis’ as a slight (think: kangaroo court). Vodka martinis can thank James Bond for making them a popular option starting in the 1960's.
Garnish
A classic martini is typically garnished with a lemon twist. Olives are common but are considered an alternative garnish.
If the menu does not specify a garnish, you should specify either a lemon or olive garnish if you have a preference.
If your martini is garnished with an olive, it should be a brined olive. The slight saltiness enhances the flavors of the martini.
Fun Fact: The term “Zen Martini” is often used to describe a martini with no garnish, particularly in the Eastern US.
Vermouth
Martinis require (yes, require) vermouth. There is a wide range of different vermouth, just as there is a wide range of gin. The choice of different gins and vermouths heavily influence the flavor of the martini. (We’ll talk about dry vs wet vs sweet vs flavored martinis later).
Almost all martinis require white vermouth vs red. Please —for all that is good in our world — try to avoid ordering a martini that uses anything but a white vermouth.
Preparation
Shaken - or stirred?
Unless you're trying to be James Bond, stirring a martini is the classic (and ideal) preparation.
Martinis should be ice cold. Stirring on ice chills the cocktail while limiting the dilution from the ice and avoiding fine shards of ice that can disrupt the silkiness of the drink in the glass.
The only exception to the stir vs shake rule is for certain specialty martinis such as espresso martinis (which, one can argue, is only a martini from the glassware).
Fun Fact: You can make a fully acceptable martini without ice. Keep your gin/vodka and vermouth in the freezer. Mix and stir quickly, and you’ll have a delicious martini without the ice.
Glassware
The classic, elegant martini glass is almost as important as the ingredients.
The shape is not only iconic, but it influences the way we sip the cocktail. The straight “V” shape means the glass must only be tipped slightly to partake a delicious sip. Other glassware, such as a coupe, require a larger tilt of the glass. In turn, this tends to give one a larger gulp. Martinis pack a punch - they are designed to be sipped and savored, something facilitated by a classic martini glass. In addition, the shape helps the aromatic oils from a classic lemon twist hit one’s senses first, enhancing the flavor experience. (Yes, this is nerdy — but real).
Fun Fact: Martinis are one of the few cocktails that should never be ‘clinked’ together for a toast. The term “raise a glass” holds direct relevance to those enjoying martinis.
A final note: Martinis should never be more than 120 ml (4 oz). These things pack a punch. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED.
Enjoying Martinis
Martinis should be sipped. Never gulp. (Please).
Your first sip is likely to elicit a scottare response. (Scottare is ‘sear’ in Italian). That’s o.k. Your tongue might feel a shock from the alcohol, but it will fade quickly. Successive sips will start to open up the flavor and complexity of the drink.
Give a minute after your first sip to let your palate relax and come to terms with this new found sensation. Each following sip will be softer and more delicious.
Variations/Definitions
Perfect Martini: A 50/50 mix of sweet and dry vermouth
Dirty Martini: Contains olive brine
Wet Martini: A higher ration of vermouth
Wet & Dirty Martini: A wet martini with olive juice
Final Note: The true perfect martini is the one that you enjoy — no matter how itis prepared. Be creative, have fun, and sip responsibly.
Visit Dry Land Distillers Wednesday - Sunday at 519 Main Street in Longmont
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