The exact origins of the Martini cocktail are somewhat shrouded in the mists of history, but with plenty of interesting stories to tell. The Martini evolved from early drinks that consisted of gin and vermouth, such as the Martinez. The name Martini is derived from the Italian vermouth Martini & Rossi, which came to be used as the cocktail's base ingredient.
Gin: It is the base of the Martini and brings its characteristic herbal and slightly spicy flavour. Choosing a good quality gin is important to achieve an authentic Martini.
Vermouth: Vermouth is an aromatic winey drink with herbal and spicy ingredients. It adds complexity of flavour and a slightly sweet aroma to the Martini. Classically, dry (bianco) or sweet (rosso) vermouth is used.
Choosing the right ratio of gin and vermouth is important because it affects the flavour and strength of the drink. Usually a 2:1 ratio is used, with twice as much gin as vermouth. However, many people prefer different ratios to customize their Martini to their preference.
Martinis are traditionally served in an elegant, tall and slender glass called a Martini glass. The glass has a long leg that allows the hands to avoid touching the bottom and keeps the drink cool. Martinis are served chilled, often with ice or after being stirred in a shaker with ice and then strained before being poured into the glass.
As usual, here are some popular versions:
Dry Martini: A martini with a higher proportion of gin and less vermouth. This style is known for its dryness and mild herbal flavor.
DirtyMartini: Martini with the addition of olive brine. This gives it a spicy and salty flavour.
Gibson: Martini with the addition of sprouted onions (pearl onions) instead of olive or lemon juice. It adds a tangy and slightly sweet flavour.
Vesper Martini: A cocktail based on the martini that is part of the James Bond saga. It contains gin, vodka and Kina Lillet (vermouth liqueur). The James Bond film series has made the Martini even more famous and earned it a reputation as a symbol of luxury and elegance.
At your next social gathering, prepare a glass of Martini and enjoy this classic and stylish drink.
