“Of all the gin joints in all the towns in all the world, she walks into mine.” Humphrey Bogart as Rick Blaine
It may surprise some that gin, not vodka, is the traditional alcohol in the martini. Martini connoisseurs are also very particular in how to prepare the libation properly. According to so-called experts, to create the best martini all liquids should be room temperature. This will allow the ice to melt slightly and the cold water to dilute the alcohol and actually enhance the flavor. Begin by filling a martini glass with ice. Mix 2 1/2 oz of gin over ice in a cocktail shaker. Now, if you are James Bond you of course will prefer it shaken, but there is actually a debate between shaken vs. stirred. Ultimately what you want is to mix the gin over ice, melting it, adding water and “bruising” the alcohol. So you will want to shake or stir briefly. Remove the ice from the chilled martini glass and add a splash of dry vermouth to the glass, swirling it around for several second then quickly pouring it out. Strain the gin into the glass and garnish with a few olives.
Looking to create your own gin joint? If you like to entertain you will want to be a proper host and be sure to have a properly stocked bar. With co-ed showers being so popular these days perhaps you’d prefer a “stock the bar party”. Gather all the guys and gals together to help the cause. This theme is also a great idea for a housewarming party. Start off with these fun invites from Etsy’s The One Stop Design Shop. They are so very clever. You can serve beer, wine and/or a signature drink along with appetizers, pizza or your favorite food. You can add some extra fun with games-Pictionary, Battle of the Sexes, Beer Pong, “Drunk Jenga”. (If you haven’t heard of Drunk Jenga, contact us and we’ll tell you all about it). Take a look here for more great ideas from Always a Blogsmaid.
Items that you will need for your home bar may include:
- Gin
- Vodka
- Tequila
- Vermouth (Sweet and Dry)
- Rum
- Whiskey
- Wine
- Cocktail shaker
- Martini olives
- Margarita or Kosher salt
- Red wine glasses
- White wine glasses
- High ball glasses
- Old fashioned/rocks glasses
- Ice bucket
- Tonic water/Seltzer
- Bar towels
- Bottle opener
