Ingredients:
- 60 ml of geneva high quality
- 10 ml of dry vermouth
- Ice cubes
- 1 green olive or a lemon peel (for garnish)
- (Optional) a Few drops of bitters angostura
Preparation:
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice until the half.
- Pour the gin and dry vermouth over the ice.
- Stir gently with a bar spoon for about 30 seconds for the mixture to cool without diluting it too much liquor.
- Strain mixture into a Martini glass previously chilled.
- Garnish with a green olive or a lemon peel twisted to release their essential oils.
- Serve immediately and enjoy with moderation.
Nutritional information per Serving:
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Proteins: 0 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Alcohol: 20 g (approximately)
Origins and Elegance: the History of The Cocktail, Martini
The Cocktail Martini it is a universal symbol of sophistication and elegance. Its origin is debated, but many theories have placed him in the united States in the late NINETEENTH century. One popular version of her story suggests that it was created in the city of San Francisco for a traveller heading to the city of Martinez, California, hence its name. Another theory is that it was perfected in the bars of New York during the golden age of the cocktail.
Its great popularity is due in part to the film culture, especially thanks to James Bond and his famous phrase, "shaken, not stirred" (shaken, not blended). The Martini has been the favorite drink of iconic figures, from writers to politicians and Hollywood stars, which makes it more than just a cocktail: it is a statement of style.
Benefits of the Martini: Beyond the Pleasure
Although the Martini is a cocktail of alcohol and must be consumed in moderation, some of its ingredients can offer benefits:
- Less calories than other cocktails: Its composition is simple, with no added sugars or juices, it makes for a lighter option compared to drinks like the mojito or piña colada.
- Properties of the vermouth: To be made with herbs and botanicals, the dry vermouth contains antioxidants and compounds that are beneficial for digestion.
- Low carb: Ideal for those who follow a low-carb diet or keto.
Variations of the Cocktail, Martini
The Martini classic has inspired innumerable versions, each with a specific twist:
- Dirty Martini: It adds a splash of brine of olives, giving it a salty taste and a touch more intense.
- Vodka Martini: Substitute the gin for vodka, which was popularized by James Bond.
- Dry Martini: Used less vermouth, resulting in a flavor even more dry.
- Martini Gibson: Is decorated with a white onions pickled in place of an olive or a lemon.
- Espresso Martini: Version moderna that combines vodka, coffee liqueur and espresso for a little pick-me-up.
Tips for the Martini Perfect
- Using quality ingredients: Gin and vermouth make all the difference, so you opt for the premium brands.
- Cools the cup: A Martini should be served cold. Leave the cup in the freezer a few minutes before preparing the drink.
- Stir or shake: The traditional blend is stirring to avoid diluting too much alcohol, but if you prefer a Martini colder and with a different texture, you can shake it up in shaker.
- Choose the trim with care: The olive gives a touch salty, while the lemon zest enhances the aromas of the botanicals of the gin.
Curiosities Cocktail Martini
- It is said that Winston Churchill preferred to your Martini with gin and just "glancing" a bottle of vermouth, which gave origin to the version ultra dry swallow.
- During the Dry Law in the US, the Martini became popular because the geneva it was easy to distill clandestinely.
- In some classic recipes, it is recommended to use a Martini glass with a long stem, to avoid heating up the beverage with your hands.
Conclusion: A Timeless Classic
The Cocktail Martini it is not just a beverage, it is an experience of elegance and style. From its story to its countless variations, it remains the favorite of those looking for a drink and sophisticated with character. Prepare it at home is easy, but mastering the perfect balance of gin and vermouth is an art that's worth exploring.
Learn more about Cocktails in our article:
12 Elixirs Immortal: The Secret History of the Cocktail Conquered the World