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A properly made martini should taste "like it isn't
there at all, just a cold cloud", said Winds Of War
author Herman Wouk, describing the favourite tipple
of the world's most famous spy. His was, of course,
shaken not stirred - although when creating the traditional
version bartenders tend to favour the latter.
While a classic martini is made with gin, 007 prefers
the vodka version. And mixing one up is an art form
in itself. The vermouth should be dry and not sweet,
and never added directly to the spirit.
To create the perfect martini, roll a little dry vermouth
around a cocktail shaker to completely coat its sides,
before tossing the remainder aside and adding broken
ice cubes. Then pour three ounces of ice-cold gin or
vodka over the ice. Shake hard from side-to-side for
15 seconds or stir gently with a glass pipette, according
to preference. Strain the liquid through the ice into
a wide-lipped, long stemmed glass, chilled for at least
half an hour in the freezer.
A large green olive or lemon twist can then be added.
When adding the lemon, do not simply place the rind
in the glass. Instead, twist it, skin side down, over
the liquid so that a mist of fragrant lemon oil floats
on its surface. Then throw the lemon peel away.
Finally and very importantly, hold the glass
by its stem in order to ensure your hands don't warm
the cocktail. |
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