Try our recipe for a classic Vodka Martini, shaken not stirred!
When I was in my twenties I thought the height of sophistication was drinking a classic Martini, in a luxury hotel bar dressed up to the nines. These days the height of luxury usually involves my sofa and a good few hours of uninterrupted reading, however the martini has stayed. It is the perfect way to wind down from a busy week, and to feel a little elegant doing so β even in the comfort of your own home.
With this recipe we pay tribute to the legend of Sean Conneryβs James Bond and get inspired by his drink of choice with a twist β by replacing the gin with a handmade Australian vodka, Grainshaker.
So whether you are staying in or heading out, start your weekend with a classic martini, of course it should be shaken not stirred.
The History of the Vodka Martini
The Vodka Martini is a popular cocktail that has a rich history. Originally, the Martini was made with gin, but in the 1950s and 1960s, vodka began to gain popularity as a substitute for gin. The Vodka Martini is made by mixing vodka and dry vermouth, and is typically garnished with an olive or a lemon twist. It is often considered a classic cocktail and is a popular choice at bars and events.
The Vodka Martini has been featured in literature and popular culture, making it a iconic drink in the world of cocktails and mixology. Many variations of the Vodka Martini have been created over the years, including the Dirty Martini, which includes a splash of olive brine, and the Cosmopolitan, which includes cranberry juice and lime. If you are looking for a classic cocktail with a twist, the Vodka Martini is a perfect choice.
Popular Culture Inspiration
A night of watching classic Bond films always gets us in the mood for a martini! Try From Russia With Love, Dr. No or Diamonds Are Forever. James Bond, the fictional British secret agent created by Ian Fleming, is well known for his love of martinis. In the novels and films, Bond is often seen ordering a βVesper Martiniβ β a specific type of martini named after Vesper Lynd, a Bond girl in the first Bond novel, Casino Royale. The Vesper Martini is made with gin, vodka, and Kina Lillet, a type of French aperitif wine. In the books and movies, Bondβs love for the Martini is often depicted as a symbol of his sophistication and taste for the finer things in life. The Martini also serves as a symbol of Bondβs cool and unflappable demeanor, as he famously requests his Martini βshaken, not stirred.β
Tips for making a Classic Vodka Martini
Use high-quality vodka: A good quality vodka will make a big difference in the taste of your martini. Look for vodka made from high-quality grains or potatoes and avoid cheaper, lower-quality vodkas.
Chill your glass: A chilled glass will keep your martini cold and enhance the overall drinking experience. Place your martini glass in the freezer for a few minutes before serving.
Use the right ratio of vodka to vermouth: The traditional ratio for a martini is 2:1, which is 2 parts vodka to 1 part vermouth. However, you can adjust the ratio to your preference, whether you prefer it dry or wet.
Stir or Shake: There is a debate on whether to shake or stir a martini. Stirring will give you a smoother, silkier drink while shaking can give you a more diluted and less chilled drink (we are shakers!).
Garnish: A properly garnished martini can make all the difference in the presentation and flavor of your drink. A classic garnish for a martini is an olive, but a lemon twist can also add a nice citrusy aroma.
Experiment with different types of vermouths: Dry vermouth is the classic choice, but experimenting with different types such as sweet vermouth or extra dry can give your martini a unique twist.
Store your vermouth properly: Once opened, vermouth can oxidize and lose its flavor quickly, so itβs important to store it in the refrigerator and use it within a month.
Be mindful of the ice: Using good quality ice is important, and make sure itβs clean and clear. Avoid using old ice as it can affect the taste and quality of your drink.
What to listen to when you drink your martini
When you are drinking a martini you want to keep it cool and classy. This sophisticated jazz playlist that will transport you to a luxurious hotel bar in New York. Visit here to listen.
Classic Vodka Martini Recipe
Ingredients
60 ml (2.5 oz) vodka
15 ml (0.5 oz) dry vermouth
2 olives or a lemon twist (for garnish)
Method
Fill a mixing glass or shaker with ice.
Add the vodka and dry vermouth to the glass or shaker.
Stir or shake the mixture until well chilled, about 20-30 seconds.
Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass.
Garnish the drink with an olive or lemon twist, and serve immediately.
ele Note: You can adjust the ratio of vodka to vermouth to your preference. Less vermouth is referred to as a βbone-dryβ martini, while more vermouth is referred to as a βwetβ martini.
Try our recipe for a classic Vodka Martini, shaken not stirred!
When I was in my twenties I thought the height of sophistication was drinking a classic Martini, in a luxury hotel bar dressed up to the nines. These days the height of luxury usually involves my sofa and a good few hours of uninterrupted reading, however the martini has stayed. It is the perfect way to wind down from a busy week, and to feel a little elegant doing so β even in the comfort of your own home.
With this recipe we pay tribute to the legend of Sean Conneryβs James Bond and get inspired by his drink of choice with a twist β by replacing the gin with a handmade Australian vodka, Grainshaker.
So whether you are staying in or heading out, start your weekend with a classic martini, of course it should be shaken not stirred.
The History of the Vodka Martini
The Vodka Martini is a popular cocktail that has a rich history. Originally, the Martini was made with gin, but in the 1950s and 1960s, vodka began to gain popularity as a substitute for gin. The Vodka Martini is made by mixing vodka and dry vermouth, and is typically garnished with an olive or a lemon twist. It is often considered a classic cocktail and is a popular choice at bars and events.
The Vodka Martini has been featured in literature and popular culture, making it a iconic drink in the world of cocktails and mixology. Many variations of the Vodka Martini have been created over the years, including the Dirty Martini, which includes a splash of olive brine, and the Cosmopolitan, which includes cranberry juice and lime. If you are looking for a classic cocktail with a twist, the Vodka Martini is a perfect choice.
Popular Culture Inspiration
A night of watching classic Bond films always gets us in the mood for a martini! Try From Russia With Love, Dr. No or Diamonds Are Forever. James Bond, the fictional British secret agent created by Ian Fleming, is well known for his love of martinis. In the novels and films, Bond is often seen ordering a βVesper Martiniβ β a specific type of martini named after Vesper Lynd, a Bond girl in the first Bond novel, Casino Royale. The Vesper Martini is made with gin, vodka, and Kina Lillet, a type of French aperitif wine. In the books and movies, Bondβs love for the Martini is often depicted as a symbol of his sophistication and taste for the finer things in life. The Martini also serves as a symbol of Bondβs cool and unflappable demeanor, as he famously requests his Martini βshaken, not stirred.β
Tips for making a Classic Vodka Martini
What to listen to when you drink your martini
When you are drinking a martini you want to keep it cool and classy. This sophisticated jazz playlist that will transport you to a luxurious hotel bar in New York. Visit here to listen.
Classic Vodka Martini Recipe
Ingredients
Method
ele Note: You can adjust the ratio of vodka to vermouth to your preference. Less vermouth is referred to as a βbone-dryβ martini, while more vermouth is referred to as a βwetβ martini.
Want more? Click here for a Festive Rum and Cherry Brandy Cocktail.
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