Bartenders dubbed martini "the king of club life." This alcoholic drink is an indispensable attribute of social events, fashion parties and youth gatherings. People who have plunged into such an atmosphere suddenly may not know how to drink martinis, demonstrating ignorance of the rules of good taste. Yes, and the taste of the drink, which has become almost a cult, when used improperly distorted, will seem unpleasant. In order not to get into an awkward position and not to feel a dislike for the exquisite vermouth because of the unfortunate first acquaintance with him, it is necessary to know in advance what kind of treatment he needs.
Kinds of martini
Martini is a vermouth variety, it is based on grape wine and wormwood. The fortress is slightly higher than that of ordinary vermouth, is 16-18%. Its bouquet depends on the grapes used in the manufacture of the drink, and a different set of herbs. There are only 7 types of martini with different color, taste and aroma, which leaves its mark on the specifics of their use. The most popular are:
- Bianko (“Bianco”) has a white color, a spicy taste with vanilla notes. Diluted with water, tonic, soda in a one-to-one ratio, often served with ice, frozen berries and fruit pieces. Not less often served with olives strung on a skewer or pickled onions.
- Rosso (“Rosso”) has a red color due to the presence of caramel in the composition, a sweetish-bitter taste with a pronounced aftertaste. To help soften it help juices with sourness. A good idea would be to add a slice of lemon to the glass.
- Rosato (“Rosato”) is characterized by a peculiar taste and a pleasant pink color. It is customary to dilute it with juice or water.
- Extra Dry (“Extra Dry”) - the strongest type of martini, refers to dry vermouth. It can be recognized by the straw-yellow hue, delicate taste with distinct notes of raspberry, toffee and citrus fruits. Often serves as a component of complex cocktails, it can be mixed with stronger alcohol (gin, vodka, whiskey). Well shades the taste of the drink pear juice. Some prefer to put on the bottom of the glass when using this martini in its purest form a piece of onion. This is the only kind of martini that you can eat fish.
Other varieties of vermouth do not require special conditions of serving and consumption, when using these drinks, you can follow the general rules of martini treats. We are talking about D'Oro (white dry martini with caramel-citrus notes), Fiero (red-colored drink with hints of orange), Bitter (ruby-colored martini based on alcohol, with a bitter-sweet taste).
Basic rules for using martini
With all the difference in the use of martini, depending on the type of vermouth there are general rules that do not depend on the variety of martini. Knowing them is especially important in order not to lose face.
- Martini is served in special glasses, resembling a conical funnel on a thin high leg. Bartenders such vessels are called “watering cans”. In the absence of a special martini glass, the drink can be poured into ordinary wine glasses for wine, it is only important that they be on a high stem: the drink should not be heated by human hands.
- The ideal temperature for a martini is 12 degrees, an acceptable temperature is 10-15 degrees. It is at this temperature that the rich and harmonious taste of vermouth is revealed best of all. If you did not have time to cool the bottle to this temperature, add frozen berries (strawberries, pitted cherries) or ice cubes to the glasses. This favorably affects both the taste and appearance of the drink.
- Martini can be diluted or used as a part of cocktails, but it is permissible to drink it in its pure form. In this case, put a slice of lemon or olives in a glass. The latter option is considered preferable.
- When serving pure martini, do not put a straw in a glass - it does not need a drink. If you are served a martini with a straw, simply remove it from the glass and place it nearby. The straw will be appropriate, though not required, only in a glass with a cocktail.
- Drinking martini should be sip, fully enjoying the multifaceted taste and aroma of this exquisite vermouth.
- Traditionally, martinis are served as an aperitif. Recently, it is used at parties, which does not provide for the subsequent invitation of guests to the table. You can drink it before meals or separately from eating food.
- You can drink martinis without any snacks. If you cannot do without this, it is permissible to eat vermouth with fruits, olives or olives, crackers, cheese of one of the hard varieties, nuts.
The rules for using martinis are simple, easy to remember, pleasant to follow.
If you could not appreciate the taste of martini in its pure form, it makes sense to try cocktails based on it. There are so many recipes that everyone can find the one they like.
Medium Cocktail
Composition:
- Martini “Bianco” - 10 ml;
- martini “Extra Dry” - 10 ml;
- gin - 40 ml;
- lemon - slice.
Method of preparation:
- Mix two types of vermouth.
- Add a gin to them, mix it slightly.
- Place a slice of lemon on the bottom of the martini glass.
- Fill a glass with a drink.
The cocktail has a fresh taste and aroma; those who prefer strong alcohol will like it.
Cocktail “Agent 007”
Composition:
- vodka - 20 ml;
- martini (any kind) - 20 ml;
- ice cubes - to taste.
Method of preparation:
- Mix alcoholic beverages.
- Fill a glass with ice cubes.
- Pour in cocktail.
Judging by the frames of the films, the legendary James Bond was a lover of the drink, the recipe of which is presented above. Do not think that it turns out to be deadly strong: ice, melting, makes it softer and easier to drink.
Martini Sweet Cocktail
Composition:
- Martini “Bianco” - 10 ml;
- gin - 20 ml;
- ice cubes - to taste.
Method of preparation:
- Fill a martini glass with ice cubes.
- Mix gin with vermouth.
- Pour into a glass with ice.
This recipe is simple, but it is a classic one, so it’s worth remembering.
Cocktail Manhattan
Composition:
- whiskey - 20 ml;
- martini “Rosso” - 20 ml;
- cherry juice - 10 ml;
- ice - 2 cubes;
- cocktail cherry - for decoration.
Method of preparation:
- Mix alcoholic beverages.
- Add juice, mix.
- At the bottom of the cocktail glass, place a couple of ice cubes, pour in the prepared mixture.
- Decorate the drink with a berry, threading it with a decorative skewer.
An umbrella is often used as a decoration for this cocktail, in which case cherry is not needed. Cherry juice in this case can be replaced with cranberry or pomegranate.
Martini Cranberry Cocktail
Composition:
- cranberry juice - 20 ml;
- martini “Bianco” - 15 ml;
- orange fresh juice - 15 ml;
- pitted olives - 3 pcs .;
- crushed ice - 40 g.
Method of preparation:
- Put crushed ice into a glass.
- Pour orange juice first, then berry juice, then vermouth.
- Stir the components with a straw.
- Slice the olives on a wooden toothpick or skewer, put it in a glass.
This version of the cocktail will appeal to those who do not like strong drinks.
Martini Cocktail with Absinthe
Composition:
- absinthe - 30 ml;
- Martini “Doro” or “Extra Dry” - 35 ml;
- tonic or mineral water (Sprite will do) - 35 ml;
- peppermint liquor - 5 ml;
- strawberries - to taste.
Method of preparation:
- Place strawberries and martini glasses for a quarter of an hour in the freezer.
- Alcoholic beverages combine, mix, dilute with chilled tonic.
- Pour the drink into glasses, in each put 1-2 frozen berries.
This cocktail is usually served with a straw, although this is not mandatory. Mint liqueur gives the bitter-sweet cocktail a unique taste.
Martini is the most popular drink among fans of club life. You can drink it in pure form or in cocktails. Most often, martinis are diluted with juice or soft drinks at a ratio of 1: 2 or 1: 1, but there are more sophisticated cocktails with these vermouths.
