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You don't need to be in Monte Carlo wearing a tuxedo or a cocktail dress to savor the classy feeling and flavor of a well made martini poured into a martini glass. The popularity of this classic cocktail has surged recently as people have begun to realize that you don't need to be fabulously wealthy or on vacation to enjoy these delectable drinks. In fact, with the increasing number of home bars, more and more people are making martinis themselves. And with the right equipment, they are making them well.
High ball glasses or martini glasses are an essential first step. It would be a shame to serve a smoky single malt scotch into a Styrofoam cup, and the same goes for a martini. For parties, an ice bucket is a great way to keep ice frozen and handy. If you like your martinis 007 style, then a shaker and a drink strainer are a must. If not, stir sticks are in order. Once you've got the drinks mixed, all that's left is to pour it into a waiting high ball glass or martini glass and enjoy the fun and sophistication of a revered cocktail.
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Here are some drink recipes for some of the most popular martinis:
COSMOPOLITAN
This drink has a fruity taste with a nice balance between sweet and tart.
- 4 parts Citron Vodka
- 2 parts Cointreau or Triple Sec
- 2 parts Cranberry juice
- 1 part Lime juice (squeezed if possible)
Shake over ice. Strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a lime wedge.
BLUE MARTINI
This drink has an appealing blue tint that will help people relax and enjoy themselves.
- 2 1/2 oz. Vodka
- 1/4 oz. Blue Curacao
- 1 Lemon twist
Shake over ice. Strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with lemon twist.
CHOCOLATE MARTINI
A rich and creamy blend of chocolate and vanilla bliss. A great after dinner drink.
- 1 oz. Vanilla vodka
- 1 oz. White creme de cacao
- 1 Hershey's Kiss or Hug
- Cocoa powder
Shake with ice, Strain and serve in a chilled martini glass rimmed with chocolate powder. Place the chocolate drop in the bottom of the glass. Pour slowly to avoid dislodging the powder on the rim. If you have prep time, try rimming the glass with melted chocolate or chocolate syrup and chilling glass to make the chocolate harden.
MANHATTAN
A classic martini that uses the sweetness of vermouth and a cherry to take the edge off the whiskey.
- 1 1/2 oz. Whiskey or Bourbon
- 3/4 oz. Sweet Vermouth
- Dash of bitters (if desired)
Stir over ice and strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a Cherry,
*For a Perfect Manhattan, use equal parts of sweet and dry vermouth. Garnish with a lemon twist
DIRTY MARTINI
The "dirty" is the olive juice, which brings the flavor. This traditional martini uses gin unless vodka is specified. Vermouth is optional. Tastes often vary, so feel free to experiment.
- 1 1/2 oz. Gin or Vodka
- Splash of Olive juice
- Dry Vermouth (if desired)
- Olives
Stir over ice. Strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with olives. Feel free to use stuffed olives. Those stuffed with anchovies or strong cheese go best with vodka.
BASIC VODKA MARTINI
For those who prefer vodka over gin, this is a classic.
- 2 ounces vodka
- 1/2 ounce vermouth
Shake or stir over ice (shaken martinis have a lower alcohol content, as this process results in more ice melting). Serve on the rocks or strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with olives.
*For a Dry Martini, leave out the vermouth and garnish with a twist.
