Think You Know How To Order A Martini? There's More To This Classic Cocktail

James Bond likes it shaken, not stirred, but how do you like your Martini?

 

The Martini is a timeless cocktail that holds a special place in every cocktail menu and our hearts. It’s an elegant choice of drink but ordering it can be a little intimidating at first. 

 

That’s because there are endless variations to ordering this seemingly sophisticated sipper. 

 

But not anymore, we’re here to make your martini experience a little easier by letting you in on everything you need to know about this classy cocktail. 

 

The classic martini is a gin-based cocktail, but you can order it with vodka too. The first step to ordering a martini like a pro is to tell the bartender what alcohol base you prefer. All roads lead to a memorable drink, just the experience may differ. Gin provides it a more complex botanical-influenced flavour, while vodka will give it a smoother, simpler taste. 

Image Credit: eficaz-estudio

 

When people talk about “wet” or “dry” martinis, they are referring to the amount of vermouth added to the drink. A dry martini has less vermouth, which makes it more bitter and less sweet to taste. A wet martini is the exact opposite with more vermouth. But those aren’t your only options! There’s a third kind too, a perfect martini, which consists of equal parts of alcohol and vermouth.
 

Image Credit: HuffPost

 

Finally, let’s address the “shaken, not stirred” issue. Sure, “shaken” is the popular way to drink the martini, thanks to the sauve-est spy alive, but what does that even mean? 

Both of these methods are basically used for chilling the cocktail. When you order a shaken martini, it is mixed with ice in a cocktail shaker, which produces a drink that is slightly more diluted, cloudier and colder. Whereas, a stirred martini is placed in a shaker with ice and stirred for about 30 seconds, giving a smoother version that’s less diluted. 
 

 

 

Image Credits: Crummbs

 

The final accessorising of the cocktail, also known as the garnishing also makes a big difference to the drink you order. There are three popular variations to it. Some like it with olives, some with citrus notes and some with a pearl of onion. You heard that right! 
 

For those who like a bit of a savoury-edgy, try the Dirty Martini that comes with added olive brine/ juice and olives for garnish. You can also call for it “extra dirty” with more olive-y flavour to it.

 

When you ask for a Martini With A Twist means you’ll get a citrus peel for garnish. This could be a peel of an orange, lemon or lime that has been twisted on top to release some aromatic flavours. 

 

Another interesting martini is the Gibson. Believe it or not this cocktail uses pickled cocktail onions in place of the briny olive to add a savoury undertone to it.  

 

How’s that for options? The next time you order a martini, keep in mind these facts to order like a pro and don’t forget to drink responsibly!