Shaken Or Stirred, 8 Things To Know Before Ordering A Martini

Credits: Unsplash

Credits: Unsplash

1. Gin Or Vodka?

The classic martini is made with gin, but vodka martinis became popular in the 20th century. Gin offers herbal and botanical notes, while vodka delivers a cleaner, smoother taste.

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2. Shaken Or Stirred?

James Bond made ‘shaken, not stirred’ famous, but the method affects the drink’s texture. Stirring keeps it silky and smooth while shaking makes it slightly cloudier and colder.

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3. Dry, Wet, Or Extra Dry?

This refers to the amount of vermouth in your martini. A wet martini has more vermouth, giving it a slightly sweeter, aromatic taste. A dry martini has less vermouth, while an extra-dry martini has just a hint or none at all.

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4. What’s A Dirty Martini?

Love a salty kick? A dirty martini includes olive brine, adding a savoury, umami-rich flavour. The more brine, the dirtier the martini.

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5. Up Or On The Rocks?

A martini served up means it’s chilled and strained into a stemmed glass. On the rocks means it’s poured over ice in a tumbler.

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6. The Garnish Matters

The garnish isn’t just for looks; it subtly influences flavour. Olives add a briny, savoury touch, while a lemon twist enhances citrus notes.

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7. Glassware Is Key

A martini glass isn’t just for aesthetics. The wide bowl releases aromas and the long stem prevents your hand from warming the drink too quickly.

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8. Know Your Ratios

A classic martini has a 2:1 or 3:1 ratio of gin/vodka to vermouth. A 50/50 martini has equal parts, while an in-and-out martini has vermouth swirled in the glass and discarded, leaving only a hint of flavour.

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So, will it be gin or vodka?