Ready to learn a new skill that will impress your friends and family members? Want to be perceived as a much fancier and more interesting person than you currently are? Luckily, there's a classic cocktail that exudes vintage glamour that's easy to master with just a bit of practice: the perfect martini.
Here are the simple step-by-step instructions for how to create the perfect martini. Plus, we've included links to all the necessary equipment you'll need to whip up a drink worthy of Gatsby. Be prepared to start hosting a lot more cocktail parties. You might want to start investing in additional seating now, just to be safe.
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First things first, you'll need a cocktail jigger.
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Measure out three ounces of dry gin (or vodka) with your handy jigger and pour it into your cocktail shaker. Then, finish it up by measuring out 1/2 ounce of dry vermouth and adding it to the base of the shaker. Note: this recipe makes one martini, so double, triple, quadruple, etc based on your party size. If you're making a dirty martini, add a splash of olive brine to the mix as well.Not sure what a jigger is?
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This nifty little bartending tool is often two-sided and features one end with a 1.5-ounce measurement as well as a 1-ounce cup on the other side. This Hudson & Lane Stainless Steel Cocktail Barware Double Measuring Jigger is stylish, well-made, and available on Amazon for under $10 bucks.Next, grab your shaker.
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A classic cocktail shaker consists of three parts: the base, the strainer, and the cap. It's typically made from stainless steel and is lightweight yet sturdy enough to withstand a thorough shaking. By now, you've already poured your measured-out spirits into the base. Now, fill it with ice, replace the strainer and lid, and get to shaking.If your mixology kit is lacking a good cocktail shaker, here's a great option.
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This Stainless Steel Martini Mixer Martini Shaker with Built-in Strainer by LUCKYGOOBO is large enough to hold 24 ounces of liquid and is a favorite among bartenders. The strong 18/8 grade stainless steel has a mirror finish for a striking effect that will dazzle your dinner guests.You can't make a martini without a good martini glass, right?
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You're going to want to choose a glass with a stem and a fluted design for a simple yet elegant look. Once your concoction is sufficiently shaken up, use the strainer to pour it into your glass. It should fill right to the top of the glass without spilling over.This martini glass set is a classic addition to your collection.
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Not only is this Martini Glass 6-Piece Clear Cocktail Set elegant and understated, but it's also an amazing deal. You get six beautifully crafted glasses for only $25.99. This is a smart and inexpensive way to upgrade your collection if you want to start doing more entertaining.And now we move on to the most creative part of the martini: the garnish.
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While the appropriate garnish for a martini is a matter of great debate, the most old-school way to finish off the drink is with a trio of green cocktail olives. If you go this route (instead of a lemon peel or a string of pickled pearl onions, for example), you'll need to pierce them onto a decorative toothpick.These bamboo cocktail picks are a must for any home bartender.
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Not only are they much prettier than traditional toothpicks, these Bamboo Cocktail Picks with Looped Knot come in a pack of 300 and are made from 100% natural materials. They're great for garnishes as well as an assortment of party appetizers. It's always a good idea to have a pack of these on hand.Choosing quality olives is just as important as the quality of liquor when it comes to creating cocktails.
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The number of olives you include is completely up to you. The traditional amount is a string of three. However, if you have a guest that you know is a huge green olive fan, feel free to load up their glass with extras. Have someone over who isn't a big fan of pickled stuff? Stick to just one.These olives are the Cadillac of garnishes, and they're just a few clicks away from arriving at your door.
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One jar of Filthy Food Filthy Pimento Stuffed Olives contains enough olives for 14 cocktails so you'll get your money's worth. They're also stuffed with heart-shaped pimentos, are naturally cured, and contain less sodium and oils than other cocktail olives on the market. These babies are the best of the best.