Son to the Martinez and grandson to the Manhattan, the youngster known as the Martini has its simplicity (Gin or Vodka and Dry Vermouth) firmly rooted in its lineage.
The most popular cocktail of all time, and the drink of choice for many a character in novels and motion pictures, was spawned when the four-part Martinez was replaced by its son the Martini - a much drier drink with a fantastic icy finish. Its new character possibly a sign that times they were a changin'. By the turn of the century the name stuck and the drink was equal parts gin/vodka & dry vermouth. By 1915 the global mood had changed again and the Martini changed with it: 2 parts gin/vodka to 1 part dry vermouth. By WWII the child had become a adult: 4-to-1 parts taking a firm hold. There are rumors that it's not uncommon to find 6, 8, 10 even 12 parts to one ratios as the ever-neurotic quest for the driest martini drudges on.
But with our young adult on its way to self-actualization and self-understanding, we see the Martini evolve into more of a category than a drink.
In those days (mid 80's) there weren't as many varieties as there are today," comments former club owner John Burt. "There weren't as many garnishes either. You had your basics: vodka or gin, olives, pickled baby onions or a twist of lemon. That's it!"
The "Old School" Martini is merely the first part in a liquor-soaked evolution, with all its various garnishes draped over each glass like the latest Dolce e Cabana accessory. Chocolate, Cosmopolitan, Schalagger, Paisley, when will it all stop. Some martini bars have entire menus devoted to this once simple drink.
With a myriad of Martinis and many, many more not yet invented, how can one begin to pour the Perfect Martini? How can such a journey find even its first step? When asked, people respond in the same ways, "I'm not sure there is a perfect martini."
Retired Food & Beverage Manager Anthony Stass bellowed over an espresso, "There is no such thing as the perfect martini. In my 35-years in the service industry, I realized that Martinis are catered to the individuals' tastes."
The Perfect Martini would have to be "your" choice - whatever that choice may be. Just as I was about to bring period to sentence and take a long bath, I saw what I was looking for - the illusive, Perfect Martini. According some, the Perfect Martini is 2 oz. gin/vodka, half dry and half sweet vermouth and garnish with an orange slice. But, once again, this is up to you to decide.
| Classic Gin Martini | Gibson Martini | Classic Vodka Martini |
| 2oz. Gin | 2oz. Gin or Vodka | 2oz. Vodka |
| 1/4oz. Dry Vermouth | 1/4oz. Dry Vermouth | 1/4oz. Dry Vermouth |
| Combine ingredients in cocktail shaker. | Combine liquid ingredients in a mixing glass with ice cubes and stir well. | Combine ingredients in cocktail shaker. |
| Stir or shake with ice; strain into chilled cocktail glass. | Strain into chilled cocktail glass and garnish with onion. | Stir or shake with ice; strain into chilled cocktail glass. |
| Garnish with a lemon twist or cocktail olive. | Garnish with a cocktail olive. | Garnish with a lemon twist or cocktail olive. |
| Manhattan Martini | Cosmopolitan (Cosmo) | Martinez Cocktail |
| 2oz. Rye Whiskey | 1 1/2oz. Vodka | 1oz. Gin |
| 1oz. Sweet Vermouth | 1/2oz. Triple Sec | 1/2oz. Sweet Vermouth |
| 1-2 dashes bitters | 1oz. Cranberry Juice | 1/4oz. Maraschino Liqueur |
| Maraschino cherry | 1/2oz. Lime Juice | 1 tsp. Sugar syrup |
| 1/2oz. Lemon Juice | 1-3 dashes Angostura Bitters | |
| Stir liquid ingredients with ice; strain into chilled cocktail glass | Mix all ingredients in a Martini shaker with ice. Serve in a chilled Martini glass | Combine liquid ingredients in a mixing glass with cracked ice and stir well |
| Or pour first 3 ingredients into an old-fashioned glass filled with ice cubes; stir well | Strain into a chilled old-fashioned glass | |
| Garnish with cherry | Garnish Gummy Bears or a lime wedge | Garnish with cherry |
