June 19 is World Martini Day so get out your mixing glasses and shakers or head to your favourite bars to celebrate one of the finest classic cocktails of all times.
Whether you like it Winston Churchill style with gin and a bottle of vermouth present in the same room or you prefer yours made with vodka and shaken like James Bond, there are many ways to enjoy this sophisticated and rather personal drink.
Many factors go into deciding the style of Martini to choose so we’ve put together a handy guide with 8 tips on how to order a Martini or make one at home.
Here are the top 5 Martini recipes to kick start your World Martini Day celebrations.
1. Dry Martini
Many a Friday night at home has been devoted to researching the best ratio for a Martini. From a 50-50 or a Perfect Martini as a base, to using vermouth as a rinse, and giving a nod to the bottle in the direction of France, it was down to 60 ml gin (or vodka), 10 ml of dry vermouth, stirred over ice, strained into a chilled Martini glass and garnished with a lemon twist.
2. Gibson Martini
The Gibson is a regular Martini garnished with cocktail onion and makes a good aperitif style drink before dinner. The savoury notes of a Gibson are always a winner particularly if you choose the right type of gin. Get the recipe for the Gibson Martini cocktail here.
3. Dirty Martini
When you like it down and dirty, the Dirty Martini with a splash of olive brine hits the right spot. We particularity like this riff that uses celery bitters and salt for its super savoury taste. Get the recipe for the Dirty Martini (called the Saltini) here.
4. Vesper Martini
Immortalised by James Bond in Casino Royale and partly responsible for the growth in popularity of Lillet Blanc, the Vesper Martini packs a punch with the combination of gin, vodka and Lillet, shaken not stirred. Get the recipe for the Vesper Martini here.
5. Espresso Martini
Love it or hate it, the Espresso Martini has taken over bars, pubs and restaurants by storm if the aromas of coffee wafting from behind bars are any indication. When it comes to the pharmaceutical stimulant, Australian distiller Philip Moore shares his favourite way to make the cocktail. Get the recipe for the best Espresso Martini here.
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