by Abe Sanz

Created on: January 28, 2007   Last Updated: May 04, 2007

Here are the facts for making a good Martini. Although uncertain, the Martini has been around for more than a 100 years and the recipe has remained the same. Despite the different flavor variation created for the Martini. The original base flavor should never be tampered with since it therefore won't be called a Martini. A true Martini is created with 1 part Gin and 1 part Sweet Vermouth.

A typical Martini is garnished with olives or a maraschino cherry. It doesn't matter if you prefer your dink, shaken or stirred, the combination of Gin and Vermouth is the true flavor behind a Martini. Although many drink connoisseurs throughout the years have substituted Gin for Vodka. I don't recommend you substitute Gin for Vodka unless you desire a stronger flavor of alcohol behind your drink. Many other individuals prefer to use dry vermouth instead of sweet vermouth that is alright with me but you should always ask for it by name.

A Martini is the most glamorous and most famous cocktail of them all and its integrity has been earned in a class by itself. Like myself, many have valued its unique flavor and its been commemorated with its own unique serving glass. So give the Martini as much credit as you would do for fine Wine and Champagne and its companion of glassware since it has earned it over the years. Here is what your final Martini recipe should look like on paper.

Martini Cocktail

1 oz Gin
1 oz Vermouth- Dry or Sweet
1 Garnish- olive or maraschino cherry

If you have been following my article, you can recall that I stated that other variation of the Martini existed. How true this might sound it contradicts my beliefs of a good tasting Martini. These types of Martini are created with the addition of 1 part flavor liquor. Whichever, flavor liquor you might prefer these types of Martini have been nomenclated by the flavor by which has been added. Although my rule for making any type of Martini remains a fact in my laws.

The truth is that the base flavor of Gin and Vermouth should in no way be changed even after adding an additional flavor to your already existing Martini. Although, there are an infinite possibility to creating a flavored Martini. The most requested flavors are; Apple, Chocolate, Coffee, Peach, Peppermint, Lemon, Cherry which are garnished with a variety of substitutions according to the flavor created. Even though any flavor can be added to the Martini depending on your taste since many have been compiled with multiple flavors like Pineapple-Coconut, Chocolate-Raspberry and even Clam-Tomato. So whatever flavor suites your choice don't be deceived by what others might say.

The bottom line is that the only way to make a good Martini is to understand its only foundation and by accepting no substitutions except for added flavors.
So your recipe should look like this on paper if flavor is what suites your flavor palette.

Flavored Martini Cocktails

1 oz Gin
1 oz Vermouth- Dry or Sweet
1 oz Flavor Liquor; Puree or Juice
1 Garnish- varies by flavor

Thanks for reading my article and safe drinking to all...

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