Day Five, Cocktail Six
For years I’ve stated that there is only one civilized day to end an uncivilized day. And that piece of civilization is my classic martini. As with my cocktail glasses, I am a martini purist. So what does that mean, you ask? Simple, is my reply. A martini is made with gin and dry vermouth with bitters an optional 3rd ingredient. Nothing drives me nuttier than to be at a classy lounge to only be handed a “martini” menu. No, no, no, it’s a cocktail menu! I realize that I’m fighting an uphill battle, but someone as to try to maintain the martini’s proper place in the cocktail world!
Whew, ok, I’ve got that out of my system. Someday I’ll get into the history of the martini and the role of dry vermouth. Suffice it to say that over the years my use of vermouth in my martinis has ebbed and flowed. Currently, it is flowing. I’m sure somewhere Winston Churchill is spinning in his grave as he thought just whispering the word “vermouth” in the vicinity of his martini was enough. So, without further pontification, here is my recipe for a martini.
The Martini
- 2-1/2 oz Bombay gin
- 1/2 oz Martini & Rossi dry vermouth
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
Combine the ingredients in a shaker with 4-5 ice cubes. Shake vigorously to completely chill. Pour into a chilled cocktail glass and garnish with 3 pitted cocktail (read small) olives (no filling!, not even a pimento!).
Alternatively, I will use a lemon twist of proper olives are not available.
Cheers!
There and Back Again, A Cocktail Journey 
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