Monday, November 10, 2014

Ode To A Classic: The Gin Martini

By: The Food Hunter

Imagine this: It's Hollywood 1930 and you are sitting at the bar at Musso & Frank enjoying a cocktail, quite possibly a gin martini, as you listen to the banter of Hollywood celebrities, writers and producers. This is what it's like to read "Of All the Gin Joints," a crazy collection of Hollywood tales, movie star bios and cocktail recipes written by Mark Bailey, and illustrated by Edward Hemingway.

This nostalgic book brings to the forefront events you've most likely never heard before. At times you will find yourself laughing out loud at the antics taking place and at other times blushing at the scandalous nature of the stories unfolding before you. And maybe, at some point, you may even find yourself wanting to make a cocktail.

The classic Martini, which was popular during prohibition, was originally a cocktail made with gin and a splash of dry vermouth garnished with an olive. Over the years, the martini has expanded to include various other spirits & mixers; but I'm a gin girl so the classic is what I prefer.



Gin has been my spirit of choice for as long as I can remember. The complex flavor usually derived from juniper berries works well with most other ingredients making it a great base for cocktails. I am by no means a gin connoisseur but I do know what I like and most recently it's been Oryza Gin from Donner-Peltier Distillers

DPD is a grain to glass micro-distillery located in Thibodaux Louisiana founded by Tom and Beth Donner and Henry and Jennier Peltier. The Oryza gin is handcrafted in small batches using Louisiana rice and 11 botanicals including local cantaloupe and satsumas, as well as juniper, lavender, coriander, oris root, pink peppercorn, angelica root, paradise seed, orange peel, and lemon peel; citrus being its signature note.

In my opinion the best way to experience the complexity of a gin is in a Classic Martini like the one below adapted from "All The Gin Joints."

Classic Martini
3oz of your favorite gin (I used Oryza)
6 dashes of Dry Vermouth
2 olives or a lemon twist

Pour gin and vermouth into a mixing glass filled with ice cubes and stir well. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with olives or lemon twist.




In order for me to support my knowledge-sharing/writing/blogging activities, I occasionally may receive monetary compensation and or product in exchange for my recommendation, and/or testimonial. However, I only recommend products or services I have personally used myself and trust.  

25 comments:

  1. This was my dad's drink.. and I remember stealing the olives!

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  2. I have to admit that I have never had a martini, but I may have to try this!

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  3. I love a good martini. I feel so grown up when I drink one!
    Renee - Kudos Kitchen

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  4. I'm not much of a martini drinker but it sound delicious!

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  5. I need you to be my neighbor! It's a Monday in every way and despite it being 11 am, I need this NOW!!! LOL

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  6. My dad has always been the best at whipping up martinis (he's always been partial to Beefeater Gin and Noilly Prat Vermouth) and it brings back memories to see this post!

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  7. I love a classic martini! So many wonderful artisan gin distillers, these days - I'll have to look for Oryza!

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  8. Such a classic wonderful drink!

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  9. Would you believe I've never had a good old fashioned martini? Thanks for the recipe.

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  10. See, I'm always a huge fan of vodka martinis. But, I think i can be convinced of gin :)

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  11. I haven't heard of that brand before, but sounds delish. Love the martini, but usually use vodka. May have to think about switching it up!

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  12. Cheers! A martini is sometimes all you need and spells perfection ~ Bea @ The Not So Cheesy Kitchen

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  13. This is too funny because I was watching one of my favorite shows last night and the guy ordered a gin martini and I thought "that sounds so good!" I think it's a sign I need to make one :)

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  14. That book sounds like a lot of fun. I would really enjoy it and do need I say that this Ginny loves the classic gin martini too.

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  15. Everyone needs to know how to make a classic martini! You teach sister!

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  16. I have never once had a classic martini! I certainly need to change that soon!

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  17. Thanks for the book recommendation; I love reading food history. Lovely martini!

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  18. Looks like something I need to try!

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  19. I love that you incorporate drinks into your blog. It adds a splash of fun :-)

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  20. There is nothing better than a classic martini. Gin is my favorite!

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