A classic Martini is made from Gin not Vodka and as anyone with any sense of sophistication can attest, the Gin Martini is hands down better. A Dirty Martini is one with olive brine added and optionally garnished with olives. Below is a starter recipe to get you in the ball park, you should adjust according to your tastes, but be warned, Martini recipes are as much about religion as good taste so be prepared to be criticized no matter what you do. Important Note: A classic Martini is stirred to cool and never shaken. Shaking gin damages its floral bouquet and leads to a less satisfying experience.
Ingredients
- 2.5 oz. Gin (use a nice flora Gin like Sapphire)
- 0.5 oz. Dry Vermouth
- 0.25 oz. Olive Brine
- 2 Olives, with pimentos is preferred but your call
Process
- Mise en Place – measure and prepare your ingredients prior to starting.
- Fill stirring glass with ice.
- Pour gin in first and then add the vermouth.
- Stir gently for at least 30 seconds to get a good chill on the cocktail.
- Strain into chilled martini glass.
- Add olive brine and let it dilute on its own (creates a nice rolling look to cocktail)
- Garnish with olives on a stick.
- Serve.
