Everything you should know about Martinis on World Martini Day 2021 – Times of India

Martini is a type of cocktail which is made with gin and vermouth (fortified wine) and is often garnished with lemons and olives. Popular theories suggest that martini got its name from ‘Martinez’, a cocktail which was served in the 18th century in and around the town of Martinez in California. The first description of the ‘Martinez’ was observed in a book written by Jerry Thomas named as ‘Bartender’s Guide, How to Mix All Kinds of Plain and Fancy Drinks’. To make a martini, gin and vermouth is mixed together with bitters. The dry martini is a popular drink and consists of little or no vermouth at all and that is why it has the word ‘dry’ in its name. World Martini Day is celebrated on June 19 to celebrate this visually appealing cocktail.

One great charming thing about martinis is that they are clear. We do not mix other ingredients in them like fruit juices or soda. Most martinis are made without ice because the ice will add water to your martini and the right dilution will go for a six. If you want to add ice then you may do so before straining the drink. Add the ice to your glass in which you’re going to mix and then add correct proportions of gin and vermouth. Stir the ice, gin and vermouth and then strain your martini. It is suggested that you use fresh vermouth to make a martini. If you use vermouth which is kept in your refrigerator for weeks or months, then it won’t add up to the taste.

Martinis are all about mixing the right proportions of gin and vermouth, for a sweet and dry taste. The best proportion used worldwide is the 2:1 ratio for gin and vermouth respectively. You can add a dash of bitters according your taste. With time, the gin in the martini is often replaced with vodka and then is popularly called the ‘Kangaroo’. Before making your martini you should freeze your glass in a refrigerator for at least an hour because it helps you to enjoy your chilled martini. The ‘Vesper Martini’ became quite popular after the name was invented and introduced by Ian Fleming in his James Bond novel ‘Casino Royale’.

Some of the different ways of drinking a martini are listed below:

1. Classic Martini: This martini consists of gin and vermouth and can be had directly or on the rocks.

2. Dirty Martini: Just add olive juice to your classic gin and you’re ready to go.

3. Gibson: This martini takes a shift from olives and lemon garnishing to an onion garnishing.

4. Vodka Martini: You just need to add vodka instead of gin in your martini or can add it along with gin and vermouth.

5. Lemon Martini: You can dip the rim of your glasses in lemon juice and sugar or lemon zest to give your martini a tangy flavor.