The Timeless Elegance of the Classic Martini: A Celebration of Simplicity

The classic martini is a cocktail that has captivated the world for over a century. Its sophisticated and elegant nature has made it a symbol of refinement and taste, transcending time and trends. In this blog post, we delve into the history and allure of this iconic cocktail and explore the secret to crafting the perfect martini.

The martini's origins are shrouded in mystery, with many different stories and theories about its creation. Some believe it emerged in the mid-19th century in Martinez, California, while others credit its invention to a bartender named Martini di Arma di Taggia at the Knickerbocker Hotel in New York City in 1910. Regardless of its true genesis, the martini quickly gained popularity and became a symbol of high society and glamour.

A classic martini is a minimalist masterpiece, consisting of only two primary ingredients: gin and vermouth. The beauty of the martini lies in its simplicity, with the delicate interplay between the gin's botanicals and the vermouth's herbal notes creating a harmonious and complex taste experience. The proportions of gin to vermouth are a matter of personal preference, with some opting for a "wet" martini with more vermouth and others preferring a "dry" martini with less.

The method of preparation also varies, with some insisting that the martini should be stirred, not shaken, to avoid clouding the drink and diluting it too much. However, others argue that shaking the martini results in a colder and more refreshing cocktail. Regardless of the method, the end goal is a beautifully clear, ice-cold drink served in an elegant martini glass.

The garnish, too, is an essential aspect of the martini. A traditional martini is adorned with a green olive or a twist of lemon peel, which adds an additional layer of complexity and aroma to the cocktail. The choice of garnish can significantly influence the flavour profile, with olives providing a savoury element and lemon twists contributing a bright citrus note.

Nelson’s Classic Martini recipe:

Ingredients:

• 50ml Nelson’s London Dry No.7
• 15-25ml Dry Vermouth (adjust to taste)
• Ice

Instructions:

1. Chill a martini glass while you prepare the cocktail.
2. In a mixing glass or cocktail shaker, combine the gin and dry vermouth.
3. Fill the mixing glass with ice and stir the ingredients gently for about 20-30 seconds/
4. Strain the mixture into the chilled glass and garnish with a singular green olive or lemon twist.

Note: If you prefer your martini "dirty," you can add a splash of olive brine to the cocktail before stirring. For a "dry" martini, reduce the amount of vermouth to a dash, or simply coat the inside of the glass with vermouth and pour out the excess before straining the gin into the glass.

The classic martini has stood the test of time, maintaining its status as a symbol of sophistication and refinement. Its enduring appeal lies in its simplicity and the delicate balance of flavours achieved through the careful combination of gin, vermouth, and garnish. Whether you prefer a wet or dry martini, stirred or shaken, the art of crafting the perfect martini is a skill worth mastering. So, raise a glass to the timeless elegance of this iconic cocktail and savour the magic of the classic martini.

Cheers!