Newsletter

Subscribe Now!

The Wet Bar > Martini Madness

By now I am sure you have read through the first chapter in thesexykitchen.com bar essentials series. If you have stocked your bar with the essentials as we laid out for you then you are ready to proceed to this next section where we get into infused vodkas and designer martinis which are all the rage today. You cannot go to a lounge or nice restaurant without noticing the extravagant cocktails that bartenders are making for their guests. You too can make these easily at home if you follow some simple rules and are open to some experimenting. We will outline the essential martinis you need to know to wow your guests and fellow party goers. Remember, those who tend bar, tend to know!

The first thing you will need is a great vodka and/or Gin. This is where you cannot skimp on price. As the classic martini is basically pure alcohol with no mix, a fine Vodka or Gin will stand head and tails above your average generic alcohols. Save those for late night mixed drinks or for your designer martinis.

If the classic seems too boring for you then consider looking at the infused vodkas available today. You can get a wide variety so start with a few and if you are feeling adventurous, you can infuse your own. Look for some of these flavors:

• Vanilla
• Currant
• Raspberry
• Lemon
• Strawberry
• Peppered

Now that you have your infused vodkas, it is time to think licquers. There is wide variety available and will vary widely depending where you are, there are products arriving on the scene daily so here is where you can get experimental. Look for the following:

• Alise Licquer
• Chambord
• Apple Sour
• Passion Fruit
• Banana Liqcuer
• Hypnotiq
• Blue Curacao

Again availability will vary depending on where you shop and where you are located. You are not limited to this list but they will make a good foundation to start from.

Mix it up!

Mixes and juices come into play now and if you stock your martini bar properly, you can almost create any libation you wish. Juices will take some of the heat from the alcohol and add some natural sweetness to your drink. If you dont entertain on a regular basis you can buy frozen juices in most flavors and open them accordingly. Carbonated drinks will add fizz to your concoctions and add some much needed sweetness.

These are the juices and mixes you cannot live without when thinking martinis.

• Cranberry Juice Cranberry cocktail can work as well but it is blended with other juices
• Orange
• Pineapple
• Grapefruit
• Lemon Juice
• Lime Juice
• Lime cordial
• Soda Water or Seltzer water
• Cola - The debate looms over which brand is better. We say always go with what you like.
• Seven Up This is also known as lemon Ade to our English & Australian friends.
• Ginger ale Great with Rye whiskey and mixed with beer
• Diet Cola If calories are an issue
• Clamato Juice For the Canadians*
• Tomato Juice
• Simple Syrup
• Sweet & Sour
• Bitters

Garnishes

Garnishing your drinks properly is as important as what goes into them nowadays. Gone are the days of the Umbrella in your drink or a pineapple slice in your Pina Colada. Garnishes can make a cocktail and quite often be a primary ingredient. Below are some essential garnishes and how you should slice them for best use.

• Olives- Pimento stuffed Olives are probably the most well known, experiment with Blue Cheese stuffed olives or even whole marinated olives, The primary garnish in any great Martini, Its brine is useful in dirty martinis
• Maraschino Cherries - Used widely in tropical drinks, Pina Coladas, Mai Tais & Old Fashions
• Pickled Pearl Onions - Use in Gibson Martinis
• Orange Slices These are best sliced, they are great for tropical drinks, as mash for old fashions and of course with any drink with Orange Juice
• Limes - It is best to cut these in 1/8ths or wedge like. Can be used strained for traditional margaritas and as concentrated juice
• Lemons - Cut these the same as limes, you can also use the skin for zests in martinis and slice the skin in thin strips as twists
• Cranberries -Usually come in their own juices, great for cranberry mixed drinks
• Celery- Cut into 4 stalks for Bloody Marys & Bloody Caesars
• Pickled Beans -Use as an alternative to celery
• Rock Salt or Coarse salt
• Refined White Sugar
• Gold or Silver leaf -This edible material is a fabulous way to add glam and sparkle to any clear martini

A great rule of thumb for those who are not sure as to what garnish to use for a particular drink, try this simple rule: If you use a juice in a drink then it should be garnished with the same fruit or garnish. There are exceptions, like with Olives and such, but this rule is pretty safe.

Tools of the trade

Now that you have all the ingredients, it is time to gather all your essential tools. Well start with glassware and instruments. Any great martini starts with the glassware. It is vitally important that you use a proper Martini glass for all your martinis. If you dont have proper glasses, youll never be able to proudly pour a great Martini. The stem is important as it keeps your hands from warming the liquid. Its wide brim makes it easy to drink from and its sexy stylings keep you looking good.

You will need a proper beverage dispenser or Tumbler to mix all the alcohol, juices and ice together and to properly strain your martini with. Below are a few kinds we recommend as essential.

• Cobbler- A 3 piece shaker consisting of a tumbler, stainless steel or glass, a shaker lid and a cap for shaking. This model is useful for home bartenders as it takes some of the difficulty out of proper straining, shaking and pouring. It is also easier to clean. If you choose the glass models, you will know exactly how much liquid is in your tumbler
• Boston- A 2 piece shaker involving both a stainless steel & Glass tumbler with one fitting into the other, excellent for shaking except the 2 components can become vacuum sealed, if this happens, lightly tap the stainless steel tumbler on the edge of a counter or surface to release the glass tumbler. You then can strain the liquid using the 2 edges of both tumblers. It is easier to buy an additional strainer for this purpose though
• Pitcher- The Pitcher is great if you are making a large batch of martinis at once. If you choose the pitcher route though, be aware to also buy a nice glass stir stick to help create that elegant effect
• Strainer- A metal device that wraps around the shaker or tumbler. It allows for the alcohol & Mix to strain without large pieces of Ice getting in the martini
• Ice Bucket- The 2^nd most important part of a martini, after the booze, is temperature and the only way to achieve this is with a close supply of fresh Ice. Look for ice buckets that come with lids and tongs to keep your ice both cold and protected. You do not want to use dirty ice ever, so be very careful with this
• Mixing Spoon- This is an elongated spoon, about the same head size as a teaspoon but is swirled through the middle. This swirled handle makes it easy to quickly stir your martini and its length will help you reach the bottom of the tumbler.
• Pour Spout This device allows air to flow into the bottle while producing a steady stream of alcohol from the bottle. A good bartender can eye ball an ounce of liquor, give or take, using this device. If you are so inclined, when pouring a drink, count 1 steamboat and you will have poured roughly one ounce.

Tips & Techniques

Now that we have everything together, it is time to start making martinis. It is important to list some tips & techniques you must know to properly mix your drinks. These are absolutes and should be followed always, with obvious exceptions.

• Always chill your glassware If you can, put your vodka and gin on ice or in your freezer, the same goes with your glassware. A chilled martini glass can make or break your drink. If you do not have the facilities to pre chill your glassware may we suggest filling your glass to the brim with ice, pouring in water (soda water works best) and letting it sit for a minute or so. This will give your glass that frosted effect. Only remove the ice and liquid moments before you pour your martini

• Stirring -A simple way to cool down the liquid in your tumbler, remember, the colder the better. It also helps in adding some water to your martini to take off a little of the alcohols edge
• Pre Shaking - A quick way to chill the mix. This will melt the ice faster and quickly mix the alcohol and juices. Be aware that shaking your martini will bruise Gin & Vodka. This will oxidize the alcohol, essentially giving it a cloudy color. Many people enjoy this technique, think James Bond, many more do not! It is always safest to ask if you are making straight up classic martinis
• Post Shaking - All professional bartenders will shake the tumbler with the ice over the martini before serving the drink. They do this to shake ice chips into the drink which have broken off during shaking. It creates a nice crystal effect on top of your martini
• Straining - A technique where you use a strainer to separate the ice from the liquid while pouring your martini. You can use the tumbler/strainer technique, the tumbler/tumbler technique or inverted glass tumbler where you insert a glass into the tumbler and strain the liquid using the tapered end inside the wider opening. This is not the best way but easy when you have limited tools and is always better than your fingers
• Jigger - Measurement tool used to measure an equalized pour. They can come in 1oz, 2oz or double sided in 3/4oz & 1/1/2oz sizes. They are also known as shooter glasses
• Up, Neat, Straight - This basically means no ice in your drink. Do not confuse this with not using ice to prepare your drinks
• On the Rocks, Over Ice- This denotes pouring your martini over ice. You should pour the martini first then add some of the ice from the tumbler you used to make the drink. This is the classy way to do it and the alcohol will have melted a little into the ice making your drink that much more enjoyable
• Pour sizes - Martinis can vary between 1oz & 3 oz. A great pour should not be over bearing and you should be able to taste the mixture. The easiest way is to use the 2oz rule. If it calls for parts, think of splitting your martini down by 2. i.e.; 1 part when a recipe calls for parts, use an ounce as 1 so 11/2 parts vodka means, 11/2oz vodka, pretty simple

Martini Terminology

You most likely have heard martinis as being dry, extra dry, wet or even burnt. If you arent really sure about what it all means then arent you glad you found us!!!

Wet - This refers to a sweeter martini which really means more vermouth. This disguises the intensity of whatever alcohol is the major player! A wet martini is much easier to drink.

Bruise - It is wrong to shake a classic martini. It should be stirred unless asked to be shaken. When a martini is shaken the ice breaks and remains in the mixture where it will eventually melt and result in a weaker martini. This is why shaking a martini is also known as bruising it.

Dry - This is your typical martini where little vermouth resides in the cocktail. A stronger punch!

Extra Dry - This is for the real players where no vermouth should be found in the mix. Essentially we have a straight drink here chilled and served with a tasty garnish.

Burnt - Now this is serious game for classic martini lovers. This is to be absolutely sure that this cocktail is really dry. A small amount of scotch is put into the glass and swirled so that it remains on the glass. The excess is poured out and the chilled cocktail is then poured into the scotch drenched glass. Ouch thats good!!

Some other Basic Measurements as rules

1 dash = 2 to 3 drops
1 teaspoon = 1/8 oz
3 teaspoons = 1 tablespoon
1 tablespoon = 1/2 oz
1 pony = 1 oz or 1 part
1 jigger = 1 1/2 oz
1 cup = 8 oz
1/2 fresh lime = 1/2 oz
1/2 fresh lemon 1/2 to 3/4 oz

The Essential Martini recipes

Now we get to the fun of making some martinis, we have listed a few essential martinis to have on hand at any party. Find your own, experiment a little and above all have a good time. If you are interested in more recipes than this, please join our members area for more great recipes, tips and tricks. Cheers!!

Classic Gin Martini

2oz Dry Gin

1 dash of dry vermouth

Pour into a martini Shaker over ice, stir or Shake (Shaken will bruise the gin making it cloudy)

Strain, Pour into a chilled martini glass using strainer, Shake to add ice chips No Ice (Up) or over Ice (Rocks) if rocks, use the ice from the shaker

Garnish with 2 olives or a twist of lemon

Classic Vodka Martini

2oz Vodka

1 dash of dry vermouth

Pour into a martini Shaker over ice, stir or Shake

Strain, Pour into a chilled martini glass using strainer, Shake to add ice chips No Ice (Up) or over Ice (Rocks) if rocks, use the ice from the shaker

Garnish with 2 olives or a twist of lemon

Dirty Martini

2oz Vodka or 2oz Gin

1 dash of dry vermouth

Pour into a martini Shaker over ice, stir or Shake

Strain, Pour into a chilled martini glass using strainer, Shake to add ice chips No Ice (Up) or over Ice (Rocks) if rocks, use the ice from the shaker

Add 1-2 teaspoons of Olive Brine. The more Brine you use, the dirtier the martini

Garnish with 2 olives

Gibson Martini

2oz Dry Gin

1 dash of dry vermouth

Pour into a martini Shaker over ice, stir or Shake (Shaken will bruise the gin making it cloudy)

Strain, Pour into a chilled martini glass using strainer, Shake to add ice chips No Ice (Up) or over Ice (Rocks) if rocks, use the ice from the shaker

Garnish with pickled Pearl Onions

Burnt Martini

2oz Vodka or 2oz Gin

Pour into a martini Shaker over ice, stir or Shake

Add 1 dash of Scotch to chilled Martini Glass (Pour into martini glass then swirl it around entire glass. Pour out excess scotch)

Strain, Pour into a chilled martini glass using strainer, Shake to add ice chips No Ice (Up) or over Ice (Rocks) if rocks, use the ice from the shaker

Garnish with 2 olives or a twist

Manhattan

1½oz Rye Whiskey

½oz Red Vermouth

Pour into a martini Shaker over ice, Shake vigorously

Strain, Pour into a chilled martini glass, Shake to add ice chips No Ice (Up) Preferred* or over Ice (Rocks)

Add 1 dash Angostura bitters

Garnish with a Maraschino Cherry

Rob Roy

1½oz Scotch

½oz Red Vermouth

Pour into a martini Shaker over ice, Shake vigorously

Strain, Pour into a chilled martini glass, Shake to add ice chips No Ice (Up) Preferred* or over Ice (Rocks)

Add 1 dash Angostura bitters

Garnish with a Maraschino Cherry

Cosmopolitan Martini

1½oz Vodka

½oz Triple sec

2 oz Cranberry juice

1 oz Lime juice or 2 fresh squeezed lime wedges

Pour into a martini Shaker over ice, Shake vigorously

Strain, Pour into a chilled martini glass, Shake to add ice chips No Ice (Up) Preferred* or over Ice (Rocks)

Garnish with lime or cranberries or both

Crantini

1½oz Vodka

½oz Triple sec

2 oz Cranberry juice

Pour into a martini Shaker over ice, Shake vigorously

Strain, Pour into a chilled martini glass, Shake to add ice chips No Ice (Up) Preferred* or over Ice (Rocks)

Garnish cranberries

Blue Lagoon Martini

1oz Vodka

1oz Blue Curacao

2-3 oz pineapple juice

Pour into a martini Shaker over ice, Shake vigorously

Strain, Pour into a chilled martini glass No Ice (Up) Preferred* or over Ice (Rocks)

Garnish with lemon twist

Purple Haze Martini

1oz Vodka

1oz Blue Curacao

2 oz pineapple juice

2oz Cranberry Juice

Pour into a martini Shaker over ice, Shake vigorously

Strain, Pour into a chilled martini glass No Ice (Up) Preferred* or over Ice (Rocks)

Garnish with cranberries

Lemon Drop Martini

2oz Lemon Vodka

½oz Triple sec

4 - 8 squeezed lemons (Add used Lemons to tumbler)

Pour into a martini Shaker over ice, Shake vigorously

Rim Martini Glass with Sugar

Strain, Pour into a chilled martini glass No Ice (Up) Preferred* or over Ice (Rocks)

Garnish with lemon twist

Margarita Martini

2oz Tequila

½oz Triple sec

4 - 8 squeezed limes (Add used limes to tumbler)

Pour into a martini Shaker over ice, Shake vigorously

Rim Martini Glass with Rock Salt

Strain, Pour into a chilled martini glass Over Ice (Rocks) Preferred* or No Ice (Up)

Garnish with Lime wedge

Apple Martini

1oz Vodka

1oz Sour apple

2-3 oz Lime juice

Pour into a martini Shaker over ice, Shake vigorously

Strain, Pour into a chilled martini glass No Ice (Up) Preferred* or Over Ice (Rocks)

Garnish with Lime wedge or dried apple chip.

Chocolate Martini

1 oz Vodka

1 oz Crème de cacao

Pour into a martini Shaker over ice, Shake vigorously

Strain, Pour into a chilled martini glass - No Ice (Up) Preferred* or over Ice (Rocks)

Garnish with cherries, cranberries or chocolate sprinkles

Espresso Martini

1 oz Vodka

1 oz Kahlua or Coffee Licquer

1 Shot of Espresso

Pour into a martini Shaker over ice, Shake vigorously

Strain, Pour into a chilled martini glass - No Ice (Up) Preferred* or over Ice (Rocks)

Garnish with 3 Espresso beans

Designer & Exotic Martini Recipes

Mandarin Breeze Martini

1 3/4 oz Mandarin Vodka

1/4 oz Elephant Island Apricot Dessert Wine

2 oz Lemon Lime Mix

Pour into a martini Shaker over ice, Shake vigorously

Strain, Pour into a chilled martini glass - No Ice (Up) Preferred* or over Ice (Rocks) with a slice of Orange or a piece of dried apricot

Find out more about Elephant Island Wines

Crab Apple Martini

2/3 oz Vodka

2/3 oz Sour Apple Liquer

2/3 oz Elephant Island Crab Apple Desert Wine

Pour into a martini Shaker over ice, Shake vigorously

Strain, Pour into a chilled martini glass - No Ice (Up) Preferred* or over Ice (Rocks) Garnish with an apple chip.

Both of these wonderful cocktails were created by the fabulous Peter Fillingham at The Raincity Grill. Thanks Pete!!

Site Search