Have you heard anyone say that a Martini needs to be properly diluted when mixed?? To what are they referring?\u00a0 What does that mean?<\/p>\n
Depending on distiller, gin varies from about 80 proof to 100 proof, or 40% ABV to 50% ABV (Alcohol By Volume).\u00a0\u00a0 It also varies from country to country, depending on local laws and customs.\u00a0\u00a0 For example, my favorite, Bombay Sapphire (US) is 94 proof or 47% ABV .\u00a0\u00a0 Now quiz time: what is the rest of the volume?\u00a0 Answer: water.\u00a0 More precisely filtered purified, possibly distilled, water.<\/p>\n
When you dilute the Martini you’re adding water to the mix and in doing so lowering the ABV level!\u00a0 If that’s what you want then why not just use a less strong gin to begin with??<\/p>\n
Furthermore, when you dilute the drink by extended mixing you’re adding water which has melted from the mixing ice.\u00a0 Ice which has come, most likely from the bar or restaurant’s ice maker.\u00a0 Does your bar use filtered purified water in their ice maker?\u00a0 I doubt it.\u00a0 And when was the last time your bar actually cleaned their ice maker?\u00a0 Who knows what is growing in there.<\/p>\n
You might want to look back at my post on “Cold Ice” to see additional comments about bar ice.<\/p>\n
Personally I like my Martini full strength with absolutely minimal dilution and absolutely no extra melted ice from a questionable ice source.<\/p>\n
Just for fun, here is a brief sampling of ABV levels of various popular gins:
\nGordon’s 37.5% ABV (UK)
\nGordon’s 40% ABV (US)
\nBeefeater 40% ABV (UK)
\nBeefeater 47% ABV (US)
\nTanqueray No. Ten 47.3% ABV
\nHendrick’s 44% ABV
\nBombay Sapphire 47% ABV\u00a0 (US)
\nBombay Sapphire 40% ABV (UK)
\nBoodles 45.2% ABV (US)
\nBoodles 40% ABV (UK)<\/p>\n
If you enjoy these posts, please tell your friends.\u00a0 Comments are always welcome.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Have you heard anyone say that a Martini needs to be properly diluted when mixed?? To what are they referring?\u00a0 What does that mean? Depending on distiller, gin varies from about 80 proof to 100 proof, or 40% ABV to … Continue reading