Perfect Martini
Discover the art of balance with the Perfect Martini recipe. This classic cocktail harmoniously blends gin with equal parts sweet and dry vermouth, creating a sophisticated profile that's less dry than its famous counterpart but equally elegant. Often stirred, never shaken, and garnished with a simple lemon twist, it's a testament to refined taste.
Ingredients
- 6 cl gin
- 1.5 cl Martini Bianco
- 1.5 cl Martini Rosso
- ice cubes
- 1 piece lemon peel
Accessories
- 1 Martini glass
- 1 shaker
- 1 strainer
Instructions
Chill your Martini glass by filling it with ice and water or placing it in the freezer for a few minutes.
Fill the base of your shaker (or a mixing glass) with ice cubes.
Pour the gin, dry vermouth (Martini Bianco), and sweet vermouth (Martini Rosso) over the ice.
Stir the mixture gently for about 30 seconds. Avoid shaking, as this can over-dilute and cloud the drink.
Discard the ice from the chilled Martini glass.
Using a strainer, pour the stirred mixture into the chilled Martini glass.
Express the oils from the lemon peel over the drink by twisting it, then drop it into the glass or run it around the rim before discarding.
Trivia
- What defines a 'Perfect' Martini?
A Perfect Martini is characterized by its use of equal parts sweet vermouth and dry vermouth, alongside the base spirit (typically gin). This balance distinguishes it from a Dry Martini, which uses only dry vermouth.
- Should a Perfect Martini be shaken or stirred?
Traditionally, a Perfect Martini, like most martinis, should be stirred, not shaken. Stirring chills the drink effectively while maintaining clarity and a silky texture, whereas shaking can lead to over-dilution and a cloudy appearance due to ice shards.
- What type of gin works best in a Perfect Martini?
A classic London Dry gin is a popular choice for a Perfect Martini, offering a robust botanical backbone that complements the vermouths. However, the 'best' gin often comes down to personal preference; feel free to experiment with different styles.
- What is the difference between a Dry Martini and a Perfect Martini?
The key difference lies in the vermouth. A Dry Martini uses only dry vermouth (often in very small quantities), resulting in a drier taste profile. A Perfect Martini uses equal measures of both dry and sweet vermouth, creating a more balanced, slightly sweeter, and complex flavor.
- Can you make a Perfect Martini with vodka?
Yes, you absolutely can. Substituting vodka for gin results in a 'Perfect Vodka Martini' or sometimes called a 'Kangaroo Perfect'. It offers a cleaner, less botanical flavor profile compared to the gin version.
- What is the best garnish for a Perfect Martini?
A lemon twist is the most common and arguably best garnish for a Perfect Martini. The citrus oils complement the botanicals in the gin and the nuances of the vermouths. An olive can also be used, but the lemon twist enhances the balanced nature of the drink more effectively.