Homemade Gin, Round 3

Round 3 Homemade Gin!   And, yes, I am learning, albeit slowly.   This batch is significantly better than my two previous efforts!  (You can find my posts on those here:   “I made Gin!!”   and here:  “Homemade Gin, Round 2” .) This … Continue reading

Does Vermouth Matter?

Of course it does.   Vermouth transforms chilled gin into a Martini!  Therefore it is indeed a magical liquid! But what type of Vermouth?  Will just any do?  Is there a difference? I’ve already written about the importance of keeping your … Continue reading

Expanded List of Botanical Elements

I received an comment from a newer reader complimenting me on my page “Botanical Elements of Gin“.  Then she asked if I knew of a resource for ingredients in specific gins.  I don’t have such a resource but it got … Continue reading

What is a Martini?

After my recent post on Eggnog Martini (Egg Nog Martini??? Really?) in which I generally described my amusement, if not disdain, of various cocktails described as “Martinis”… or more typically, ‘somthing‘tini a person very close to me asked “OK, what … Continue reading

Alcohol Diet!

Alcohol diet?  Is that a real thing?  Well, no, not really.  But it offers a starting point to think about our diet, and Martini, choices. If you’re like most of us you’re probably ‘counting’ calories in one form or another.  … Continue reading

Dilution, Myth or Reality

Have you heard anyone say that a Martini needs to be properly diluted when mixed?? To what are they referring?  What does that mean? Depending on distiller, gin varies from about 80 proof to 100 proof, or 40% ABV to … Continue reading

Olives or Twist

This may be the second most discussed question about Martinis. As noted, my preference is a twist; when I drink Bombay. To me the lemon flavors compliment the herbs of Bombay while the saltiness of the olives seems to overpower … Continue reading

Shaken or Stirred, Part Two

A few more thoughts on “Shaken vs. Stirred”….. The most convincing argument I’ve heard in favor of a stirred martini is the silky mouth feel that I mentioned early. The shaken drink tends to be aerated, at least at first, … Continue reading

My Preference

I think it only fair to let you, my dedicated reader, know my preferences.   I order Bombay Sapphire Martini shaken with just a splash of Vermouth served in a very well chilled Martini glass with a twist of lemon. I … Continue reading

The Perfect Martini

So what is the Perfect Martini? It’s often said that “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder” and so it is with Martinis. My perfect Martini may not be the same as yours. Gin or Vodka, Shaken or Stirred, … Continue reading