artinis are truly the most revered, and controversial, drink in the history of cocktails. Even though it has fallen in and out of favor over the years, the Martini has grown to become an American classic. From film to politics, the Martini is viewed as a drink of unique power, yet it is no more powerful than any other drink containing the same amount of alcohol.
.....As you spend a little time here in the Lounge, you may learn some useful things about this century-old drink... and possibly a number of things that you really never needed to know. I sure have. Since the lounge opened I have received some great e-mail. As I've said time and time again "No two people are going to agree about the history of the Martini, or even how to make one," but maybe that is part of what makes this drink so special.
.....If you leave the comfy confines of Zigy's, leave with only one piece of knowledge, let it be this: the Martini is made with Gin. And only Gin. If it is made with Vodka it's called a "Vodkatini. " Or, as it's more commonly known these days, the "Vodka Martini." Now, there's absolutely nothing wrong with Vodka. In fact, that's one of the main reasons the Martini came back into popularity -- mostly with the younger crowd. And Russians. It's just that the "Vodkatini " was invented about 50 to 70 years after the Martini. (Yes, I'm a purist. But I have history on my side.) Believe you me, I've been in more than one argument with bartenders that had the nerve to ask me if I wanted Vodka or Gin. I ordered a Martini ! If I wanted Vodka I would have asked for it! It just shows that some people who should know better have no idea what they're doing -- or know anything about the drink for that matter. But then again, maybe I just know too much about the Martini. Oh well, with that off my chest, let's move onward, shall we?
.....Try this....All you need to do is mix 3 parts Gin (I'd plug a Brand name if I had a sponsor.. but I don't .. so just buy some good Gin), to 1 part Dry Vermouth (again I would plug... but, hmmmm, "Martini & Rossi are you out there??"), shake with ice in a shaker (I'm a purist, remember?), pour into a proper Martini glass, and finally and most importantly, add a garnish: olive, lemon twist, or my favorite the cocktail onion. (Then, of course, it's not a Martini but a Gibson -- but we'll get into that later in ZIGY'S PICK).
.....And there you have it. You have just made a fairly decent Martini. You may want to add less and less Vermouth to make it drier and drier. It's only a matter of practice. And taste. Again, no two people will ever agree on how to make the Perfect Martini. But no matter if you like your Martini made with Gin or Vodka, olive or onion, sweet or dry, we all have one thing in common: We all love a good drink.
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