Martini Recipe - Classic Gin and Vermouth Cocktail from USA

Martini

Martini Recipe - Classic Gin and Vermouth Cocktail from USA
Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 5 minutes | Servings: 1

Introduction

Martini
Martini

Martini is a classic cocktail that has been enjoyed for generations. This iconic drink is made with gin and vermouth, and is typically garnished with a twist of lemon peel or an olive. It is a sophisticated and elegant cocktail that is perfect for any occasion.

History

The exact origins of the martini are unclear, but it is believed to have been created in the late 19th century. It has since become one of the most popular cocktails in the world, with many variations and adaptations.

Ingredients

  • 3 oz (85 g) of gin
  • 0.5 oz (14 g) of dry (white/blanc) vermouth (preferably Noilly Prat, alternately Martini & Rossi)

Garnish

  • A twist of lemon peel (including the pith)
  • Cocktail olives, queen size at minimum. Or olive juice could be added to make it a dirty martini

How to prepare

  1. Fill a martini glass with ice and water and set it aside to cool.
  2. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add the vermouth.
  3. Fill the shaker again with ice and add 2 oz (57 g) of gin. Stir gently.
  4. Discard the ice and water from the martini glass.
  5. Strain the martini from the cocktail shaker into the glass.
  6. Garnish with one olive (two olives make it a Franklin).

Variations

  • There are many variations of the martini, including the dirty martini (with olive brine), the vodka martini (made with vodka instead of gin), and the Gibson (with a cocktail onion garnish).

Cooking Tips & Tricks

When making a martini, it is important to use high-quality ingredients. The type of gin and vermouth you use will greatly affect the flavor of the cocktail. It is also important to stir the cocktail gently, rather than shaking it, to avoid diluting the drink too much.

Serving Suggestions

A martini is best served chilled in a martini glass. It can be enjoyed on its own as a pre-dinner cocktail, or paired with appetizers such as olives or nuts.

Cooking Techniques

When making a martini, it is important to stir the cocktail gently to avoid over-diluting the drink. It is also important to use fresh ingredients and high-quality spirits for the best flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you prefer a sweeter martini, you can use sweet vermouth instead of dry vermouth. You can also experiment with different types of gin to find the flavor profile you prefer.

Make Ahead Tips

You can pre-chill your martini glasses in the freezer before making the cocktail to ensure that the drink stays cold. You can also pre-measure your ingredients to make the mixing process easier.

Presentation Ideas

A martini is traditionally served in a chilled martini glass with a twist of lemon peel or an olive garnish. You can also experiment with different garnishes, such as cocktail onions or pickles.

Pairing Recommendations

A martini pairs well with a variety of appetizers, such as olives, nuts, or cheese. It is also a great accompaniment to seafood dishes or light salads.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

A martini is best enjoyed fresh and should be consumed shortly after it is made. It is not recommended to store or reheat a martini.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A traditional martini contains around 140 calories per serving.

Carbohydrates

The carbohydrates in a martini come from the vermouth, which contains around 1 gram of carbohydrates per ounce.

Fats

There are no fats in a traditional martini.

Proteins

There are no proteins in a traditional martini.

Vitamins and minerals

A martini does not contain significant amounts of vitamins or minerals.

Alergens

There are no common allergens in a traditional martini.

Summary

Overall, a martini is a relatively low-calorie cocktail that is free of fats and proteins. It is a simple and elegant drink that can be enjoyed in moderation.

Summary

Martini is a classic cocktail that is simple to make and elegant to enjoy. With the right ingredients and techniques, you can create a perfect martini every time. Cheers!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was captivated by its simplicity. It was a warm summer evening, and I was visiting my friend Margaret, who had just returned from a trip to Italy. She invited me over for a drink, and as I sat in her cozy kitchen, she pulled out a bottle of gin and vermouth and began to mix up a martini.

As she poured the clear liquid into a chilled glass, I watched in awe. The martini had always seemed like such a sophisticated and elegant drink, and I had never attempted to make one myself. But as Margaret handed me the glass, I took a sip and was instantly hooked. The combination of the gin and vermouth was like nothing I had ever tasted before - it was smooth, slightly bitter, and utterly refreshing.

I begged Margaret for the recipe, and she gladly shared it with me. She explained that a classic martini is made with gin and a splash of dry vermouth, stirred or shaken with ice, and garnished with a twist of lemon or an olive. She also mentioned that some people prefer their martinis with a bit of olive brine or a splash of bitters, but that the beauty of the drink lies in its simplicity and versatility.

From that moment on, I was determined to perfect the art of making a martini. I began experimenting with different proportions of gin and vermouth, trying out different brands and types of each. I also tried my hand at shaking versus stirring, and I even dabbled in creating my own custom garnishes.

Over time, I refined my technique and developed my own signature martini recipe. I found that I preferred a 2:1 ratio of gin to vermouth, stirred with ice until well chilled and then strained into a chilled glass. I also discovered that I enjoyed my martini garnished with a twist of lemon, as it added a bright, citrusy note to the drink.

As I continued to make martinis for myself and my friends, I became known as the resident martini expert. I would often host cocktail parties and gatherings, where I would whip up my signature martinis for all to enjoy. People would marvel at how smooth and flavorful my martinis were, and they would always beg me for the recipe.

I was happy to share my knowledge and passion for the martini with anyone who was interested. I would explain the history of the drink, its origins in the early 20th century, and its enduring appeal as a classic cocktail. I would also share tips and tricks for making the perfect martini, from choosing the right gin to selecting the best vermouth to mastering the art of garnishing.

As the years went by, I continued to hone my martini-making skills, always striving to create the perfect drink. I would seek out new recipes and techniques, learning from bartenders and mixologists from around the world. I would attend cocktail classes and seminars, soaking up all the knowledge I could about the art of mixology.

And through it all, the martini remained my favorite cocktail. It was a drink that never failed to impress, a drink that always brought a smile to my face. Whether I was sipping one on a sunny patio or shaking one up for a special occasion, the martini was my go-to drink, my trusty companion.

And so, as I sit here now, reflecting on my journey with the martini, I am filled with gratitude and joy. I am grateful for all the friends and family who have shared a martini with me over the years, for all the memories and moments we have created together. And I am joyful knowing that the martini will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the simple pleasures and joys of life. Cheers to the martini - a timeless classic that will never go out of style.

Categories

| American Recipes | Dry Vermouth Drink Recipes | Gin Drink Recipes |

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