Gin Finger’s Perfect Martini

Gin Finger Approved Mixology
All Ratios Tested Thoroughly for Authenticity and Effect

The Martini – it’s very name instills an almost reverent awe in those that hear the word. It is an elixir. Some would say it is an elixir from the gods and sipping it is like sipping on a silver cloud. The first taste snaps at your tongue with an antiseptic dryness that is exhilarating and almost tasteless if the drink is chilled correctly.

A Martini, on a technical level, is a cocktail that contains unequal portions of gin and dry vermouth. It is served chilled in a conical cocktail glass and garnished with either an olive or twist of lemon. It can be either an extremely masculine drink or an extremely feminine drink. No other cocktail has the mystique of the Martini.

The Martini is classified as a “short drink,” like a Manhattan. A short drink is a cocktail that mainly contains alcoholic spirits. Americans are nearly the only Martini drinkers who use a high-proof gin in their Martinis. The British, who perfected gin, and the Canadians prefer a smoother and milder gin of 50 Proof. The 80 Proof gins that are used in America are no doubt what has fueled the reputation of the Martini as a very powerful and seductive cocktail.

The recipe for the Martini has changed dramatically over the years. The classic original Martini was mixed with 1 part gin to 1 part dry vermouth. The ratio has drifted over time to a much drier version of cocktail – sometimes as high as 15 parts gin to 1 part dry vermouth. So, we can see, the definition of dry as it pertains to a Martini has really changed over the years. Many may argue about the correct mixture ratio, but it comes down to the personal taste of the Martini drinker. Everybody has their own preferences.

There are probably as many Martini recipes as there are Martini drinkers. That is why we suggest making pitchers of Martinis in a cocktail hour setting with your friends. Not only will you be able to entertain in fine style, but a pitcher will lend itself to experimenting with different mixture ratios. Cheers! And remember, pace yourself.

Cheers! It’s like sipping on a silver cloud.