I’m here to tell you, gin is making a come back. Yea! because gin is my drink of choice. I love 007 as much as anyone but, James Bond ruined the martini as it was meant to be. Prior to the 1960’s all martinis were made with gin (a little, very little, vermouth, preferably dry and NEVER, NEVER shaken! Shaking a martini does only two things; dilutes the drink and kills the clarity by making it cloudy.
Here’s my recipe for possibly the best “Gin” martini ever. Being old school and citing the classic botanicals I prefer my martini made with Tanqueray Gin, dry vermouth and olives (no brine). I don’t like to dilute mine with olive brine.
Classic Tanqueray Gin Martin 
2 ounces Tanqueray Gin
.25 ounces dry vermouth
Olives
Chill a martini glass, please use a martini glass. Chill by putting the glass in the freezer for at least half an hour or fill the glass with ice and water. Let it stand while you are mixing the drink. Use a chilled mixing glass. Pour in gin & vermouth and add ice. Stir until cold. If you’ve filled your martini glass with ice to chill, be sure to empty it. Then, strain into chilled martini glass. Add olives and enjoy!
I have to admit my sister makes a mean martini but it’s not a crime in my book to dilute with olive brine. If you like a salty, olive brine flavor give my version of the Dirty Martini a try. Not sure 007 would approve but I’m a fan. Kay is right about one thing, please, please use a chilled martini glass!
Dirty Martini
2 ounces Tanqueray Gin
.50 ounces dry vermouth
.50 ounces olive brine & add olives
We hope you’ve enjoyed this first edition of Spirited Texas. Let us know what you think and if you have a favorite classic cocktail. Sign up for our mailing list so you don’t miss all of the great cocktails, inspirations and accompaniments we’ll be sharing!
A martini glass is a must. Thinking I was relocating, I packed all my glassware. When the move didn’t happen as quickly as planned, I unpacked the martini glass.
Good job on unpacking the martini glass. Has to make the move go better.