The majesty of cocktails, the Martini is the most iconic mixed drink in the world. The name itself conjures up an image of the V-shaped cocktail glass with an olive resting in its depth. There is much debate about the origin of this drink. What is not in question is that this cocktail has evolved over time. Its simplicity is an illusion: the dry Martini takes years to master. The clear stillness and serenity of the final drink is an expression of the years of skill and experience of the person stirring it, and the proper execution of this cocktail is an exercise in honing the craft of cocktail making.

　　

Ingredients

makes 1 drink

　　3 1/2 ounces Beefeater London dry gin

　　1/2 ounce Dolin Dry Vermouth

　　1 dash Regan’s Orange Bitters no. 6

　　1 lemon twist, for garnish

　　

Step 1

Pour the gin, vermouth, and bitters into a mixing glass. Add large cold ice cubes and stir for 40 revolutions. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with the lemon twist.

　　

tasting notes

Step 2

Dominant Flavors: juniper and citrus oil

　　

Step 3

Body: silky texture, clean mouthfeel

　　

Step 4

Dryness: very dry

　　

Step 5

Complexity: medium with many subtle aromatics

　　

Step 6

Accentuating or Contrasting Flavors: slight acidity from vermouth

　　

Step 7

Finish: lingering with citrus oil overtones

　　

Step 8

Glass: cocktail

　　Reprinted with permission from Speakeasy: The Employees Only Guide to Classic Cocktails Reimagined by Jason Kosmas and Dushan Zaric, © 2010 Ten Speed Press. Buy the full book from Amazon or Bookshop.