Tuesday Virtual Cocktail Hour: Martinis

Something New! On the first Tuesday of every month, I'm going to schedule a virtual Meetup dedicated to cocktails. And the first session is dedicated to the Martini. It can be any variation of the cocktail from dirty to lemon drop to espresso. It won't be so much of what's going on in our lives as much as what you're drinking and how you made it.

The Martini is a classic cocktail that has evolved over time.
Ingredients:

• Gin or Vodka: A classic martini traditionally uses gin, but vodka is a popular alternative today.
• Dry Vermouth: This fortified wine, flavored with herbs and botanicals, is crucial for a classic martini's flavor.
• Ice: Used for chilling the drink.
• Garnish: Common choices include a lemon peel twist or olives.

Preparation:

1. Chill your martini glass in the freezer or by filling it with ice and water.
2. Combine the gin or vodka and dry vermouth in a mixing glass or shaker.
3. Add ice and stir or shake until well chilled.

• Stirring is traditional, creating a smooth, silky texture.
• Shaking incorporates air and ice shards, leading to a slightly diluted and cloudier drink.

4. Strain the mixture into the chilled martini glass.
5. Garnish with a lemon twist or olives.

Important Terms:

• Dry: A martini with a higher ratio of spirit (gin or vodka) to vermouth.
• Wet: A martini with a higher ratio of vermouth to spirit.
• Extra Dry: A martini with a very small amount, or even just a rinse, of vermouth.
• Dirty: A martini with olive juice or brine added, giving it a savory flavor.
• On the Rocks: Served over ice.
• Straight Up (or Up): Chilled and strained into a martini glass without ice.
• Neat: Served at room temperature, without ice.
• Gibson: A martini garnished with a cocktail onion instead of an olive.

Variations:

• Espresso Martini: Features espresso, coffee liqueur, and vodka.
• French Martini: Made with vodka, raspberry liqueur, and pineapple juice, providing a sweeter option.
• Vesper Martini: Contains both gin and vodka along with Lillet Blanc (traditionally Kina Lillet).
• Perfect Martini: Uses equal parts sweet and dry vermouth.

Note: Many drinks served in a martini glass are often referred to as "martinis," even if they deviate significantly from the classic recipe.

## We have a choice of videos to watch including:

1. https://youtu.be/izZsjqnADAA?si=GNWMN8LqG9-zIxpg - How to make a MARTINI: let's finally talk about it - Anders Erickson (7:29)
2. https://youtu.be/cwunL1zBgnI?si=Pf3r8pb0hyzuob5M - How to Make a Dirty Martini (3 ways)! - Anders Erickson (18:07)
3. https://youtu.be/PM_X8Ci0iXg?si=0QDOto8EFa4RCV6D - Make the ALBERTO: the summer MARTINI everyone's talking about - Anders Erickson (9:14)

So, mix up a drink and watch a couple of videos. Let us know what you’re drinking and eating. Do you have any comments (positive or negative) about the videos?

Cheers!!