The Gin Martini: Shaken, Stirred, and Always Sophisticated

The Gin Martini is the epitome of elegance and simplicity, embodying sophistication in every sip. With its crisp, botanical flavors, it’s a cocktail for those who appreciate refined tastes and a touch of mystery.

The Martini’s origins are steeped in intrigue. Some say it evolved from the Martinez, a drink served during the Gold Rush era of the 1860s in California. Others link it to New York City, where the modern Martini began taking shape in the early 1900s. Either way, the Gin Martini rose to fame as the drink of choice for icons like James Bond, Ernest Hemingway, and Winston Churchill, cementing its place in pop culture.

Did you know? Churchill famously preferred his Martini without vermouth, claiming merely looking at a bottle of vermouth while pouring the gin was sufficient! The Martini has become a canvas for customization, from dry to dirty, stirred to shaken, and everything in between.

• 60 ml (2 oz) gin
• 15 ml (0.5 oz) dry vermouth
• Ice cubes
• Lemon twist or green olive for garnish

1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Add the gin and dry vermouth.
3. Stir until well chilled, about 20-30 seconds.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass.
5. Garnish with a lemon twist for a zesty aroma or a green olive for a classic touch.
   

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the gin and dry vermouth.
3. Shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds until the shaker feels icy cold.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass.
5. Garnish with a lemon twist for a fresh, citrusy touch or a green olive for a savory finish.