Here & Now Anytime How to make the perfect cocktail
Dec 26, 2025
Joe Gitter, a senior editor at America's Test Kitchen and co-author of "Cocktails Illustrated," shares his expertise on creating perfect cocktails. He discusses how the book caters to both novices and seasoned mixologists. Gitter reveals the importance of technique, ingredients, and the right glassware. He demonstrates how to make a classic martini and a unique brown butter maple old-fashioned, along with batching tips for Negronis. The episode also highlights the role of ice in cocktail crafting, making the art of mixology accessible and fun!
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Four Tools Cover Most Cocktails
- Use just a few core tools: shaker, bar spoon, jigger and a citrus press to cover most cocktails.
- These four items let you make roughly 80–90% of the recipes in the book.
Making A Double Martini Demonstration
- Joe demonstrated making a double gin martini with 4 oz gin and 1 oz dry vermouth, then filled the mixing glass with ice.
- He stirred the drink to encourage ice melt and achieve the smooth texture of a classic martini.
Stir The Martini To 25°F
- Stir martinis, don't shake them, to produce a smoother drink and better dilution control.
- Stir for about one minute and use a thermometer to reach ~25°F for ideal flavor opening.