How to feel confident in your martini, shaken or stirred
Aug 5, 2024
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Join Harriet Fitch Little, the Financial Times' food and drink editor, and Alice Lascelles, FT contributor and author of a new martini guide, as they explore the enigmatic world of this iconic cocktail. They dive into the shaken versus stirred debate, revealing secrets to crafting speakeasy-quality martinis at home. Harriet shares her martini insecurities, while Alice discusses the cultural resurgence of this classic drink. Plus, learn about the intriguing Lebanese doo-doo shot and get a sneak peek into unique martini recipes from Alice's upcoming book.
The martini symbolizes sophistication and anticipation, setting a distinguished tone that elevates it above casual drink options like wine.
Creating the perfect martini at home involves attention to detail, quality ingredients, and personalized techniques that reflect individual preferences.
Deep dives
The Martini as a Sophisticated Choice
The martini has emerged as a drink that symbolizes sophistication and sets a particular tone for an evening. When someone suggests having a martini, it carries an implicit promise of anticipation and a hint of mischief, differentiating it from more casual drink options like wine. This allure is partly due to the martini's simplicity, consisting mainly of gin or vodka and vermouth, yet its presentation and the ritual involved elevate its status. Bars enhance this experience with elaborate rituals, premium glassware, and personalized options, which contribute to why people willingly pay high prices for this drink.
Personalization and Rituals in Martini Culture
The act of ordering or making a martini can involve a level of personalization that reflects one's character and preferences. Some individuals engage in what has been described as 'competitive martini ordering', meticulously specifying the type of glass, the gin, the stirring method, and even add-ons like orange essence. This intricate process showcases the drink's versatility and the importance of ceremony surrounding it, transforming a simple cocktail into a performance. To many, this personalization has become an essential aspect of the martini experience, making it less about just drinking and more about creating a unique moment.
Making the Perfect Martini at Home
Creating an ideal martini at home requires attention to detail and understanding the right technique. Key tips include chilling glassware beforehand, using a good quality gin or vodka that's suited for mixing, and opting for a small amount of ice during stirring to control dilution. The importance of using fresh ingredients and proper proportions, such as a classic 5:1 ratio of gin to vermouth, cannot be overstated. Exploring variations, infusions, and garnishes, such as olive or lemon twist, allows for creativity while adhering to the drink's established traditions.
What is it about the martini that makes it so intimidating? Even the FT’s food and drink editor Harriet Fitch Little isn’t sure if she’s allowed to order one that has both an olive and a lemon twist. On today’s episode, Harriet speaks with FT contributor Alice Lascelles, whose new book Martini: The Ultimate Guide to a Cocktail Icon is coming out this autumn. What’s better: gin or vodka, shaken or stirred? And how can you make a speakeasy-quality martini at home?
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