National Dry Martini Day

June 19 – Celebrating A Classic

I just got off a cruise and there were 3 different “Mixology” classes. We tasted 9 different “Martinis.” None of them remotely resembled an actual martini. Today any libation strained into a cocktail class can be called a martini. I’m an old fashion type of guy and I’m often reminded how old I am when I have to explain how to make a martini to a bartender.

This is an actual exchange between myself and a young person tending a bar.

ME:  I’d like a Tanqueray Martini up.
BT:   Gin? Do you still want olive juice
ME:   No, I’d like vermouth.
BT:   (Slowly) Okay, you want me to put the vermouth in the glass then pour it out?
ME:   No, I’d like you to put the vermouth in and leave it.
BT:   You mean like an ingredient?

Look if you want to drink chilled vodka with olive juice, knock yourself out, just don’t call it a martini.  In this video I made last year you’ll see how to make a classic gin martini.

Drink Responsibly or stay home and drink.
Ciao Fro Now