Vodka makes a clean, crisp martini.
For a drink with only a few ingredients, the martini nonetheless invites endless debate. Devotees passionately defend their own versions of this iconic cocktail. The type of liquor, the proper proportions of ingredients, ideal chilling methods and appropriate garnishes are all variables. While a classic martini contains gin, vodka is a common alternative. Some prefer vodka to gin for its clean taste, free of the flavor of gin's juniper berries. Fictional character James Bond is one of the most well-known fans of the vodka martini.
Vodka
Vodka, a strong, clear liquor traditionally distilled from potatoes, is the main ingredient in a vodka martini. A bartender adds approximately 2 to 3 parts of vodka to 1 part vermouth for a classic martini. An average version of this cocktail contains about 2 ounces of vodka, but some prefer to make their drinks a little stronger.
Vermouth
Vermouth is a fortified wine-based drink, infused with aromatic herbs and spices. Vermouth comes in dry and sweet versions; the vodka martini calls for dry, white vermouth. Some mixologists add up to 1 part vermouth in a vodka martini. A common alternative is to swirl vermouth in a glass and pour it out, leaving only a residue of vermouth behind. For a truly dry martini, a bartender may spray a mist of vermouth from an atomizer or omit it entirely.
Olive
Martini purists insist on the traditional garnish of an olive. Commonly this is a pimento-stuffed green Manzanilla olive, although upscale establishments may use less familiar varieties like Bella di Cerignola or Lucque olives. Some people request their martinis "dirty," meaning with a splash of briny juice from the olive jar.
Lemon Peel
The expression "with a twist" refers to a garnish of a strip of lemon peel. Remove a strip of lemon rind with a lemon peeler. Take care to only remove the yellow rind and not the bitter white pith.
Ice
Although some might not consider ice to be an actual martini ingredient, it imparts a strong influence over the flavor and perceived strength of the cocktail. Using crushed ice or shaking a martini vigorously melts ice faster, resulting in a milder tasting drink. For a cold vodka martini with an assertive kick, bartenders stir the ingredients with ice just until chilled, and then strain the drink.
Tags: vodka martini, classic martini, common alternative, martini bartender, part vermouth, strip lemon