This month Boobs is giving you some history and insight into the drink we love to crave---- the Martini. No matter how you like yours there is no denying that a Martini is one of life's great pleasures.
Boobs the Bartender
Drink of the month: COSMOPOLITAN
- 2 oz. Russian Vodka
- 1 oz. Grand Marnier
- 1/4 oz. Lime juice
- 1 oz. Cranberry juice
Serve well shaken, in a large Martini glass and make sure it's icy, icy cold.
Drink quickly and forget all your cares and woes and pretend you are one of the cast of Sex and the City.
Cheers!
Martini Madness Month
"And I would like a medium dry Martini-with a slice of lemon
peel. shaken and not stirred, please. I would prefer Russian or Polish vodka."
-James Bond in Ian Fleming's novel Dr. No.
Best Place to have a Martini
Internationally, I think the Oak Room at the Plaza Hotel in New York serves up the best Martini in the world!
Sip your Martini as you experience an atmosphere that is all opulence, privilege and power. Unbelievable.
As for closer to the home of avivalasvegas.com the Oasis bar on Davie Street displays great Martini expertise and an atmosphere that's perfect for lavish enjoyment.
A bit of history on the drink we love to crave:
The martini is the most ironic of drinks. Powerful yet subtle. A few ingredients, yet highly challenging to prepare.
So instead of just hanging over the bar how about a little enlightenment as you get "lit up"?
Evolution as a species of Martini Drinkers
The first drink known as a martini is believed to have appeared on the scene in the United States in the late 1800's. It consisted of equal part gin and dry vermouth. I'm so glad we've evolved as a species and don't drink them that way anymore!
There are many possible origins of the name "martini", which first appeared in print in 1894. A popular legend claims the drink was invented by a San Francisco bartender around 1860 as an act of kindness toward a hung over patron.
My personal advice is forget the gin martini.
The vodka martini is far superior and much more versatile than the gin version. In fact, other than the delightful taste of a gin and tonic on a hot day, I advocate the lavish use of vodka in general.
Tip: Vodka can be substituted in any drink requiring gin.
Focusing on our preferred key ingredients: well, their history is pretty much what you'd expect.
Vodka originated in Russia in the 1300's and was first made from the potato. North American vodka is made from corn or wheat.
Tip: Drink Russian vodka when wherever possible
The word "vodka" comes form the russian word "voda" for "water", often translated as "water of life".
Vodka is produced to remove most of the flavour and aroma of the grains used. Typically it is clear and requires aging. Vodka is largely colourless, odorless and taste free.
Vermouth
There are two basic types of "aromatized" wine known as vermouth. French or dry vermouth and Italian or sweet vermouth. Today both types are made in both countries as well as others.
The word vermouth comes from the German "wermut" for " wormwood" one of the fifty plants that go into a single formula for making it.
The Standard Martini: "Shaken and Not Stirred"
Two ounces of vodka and a splash of dry vermouth and garnished with an olive (or less commonly a twist of lemon or orange).
A "shaken and not stirred" martini should be shaken very well indeed until the outside of the cocktail shaker is covered with frost.
Boobs the Bartender's suggested variations on Vermouth:
Extra-extra-dry
just glance at the vermouth
wave the bottle of vermouth over the vodka
think vermouth
Dry
swish vermouth around in the glass and then pour it out
swish the vermouth around in the shaker and then pour it out
William Faulkner and Milton Berle on the Martini
"When I have one Martini , I feel bigger, wiser, taller. when
I have a second, I feel superlative. When I have more there's no holding me."
-William Faulkner
"If it wasn't for the olives in his martinis, he'd starve
to death."
-Milton Berle
So, that's it for this week! Send me your favorite Martini recipe! I love to hear from othe booze hounds.
Until we next meet over a cocktail...
Boobs The Bartender
Contact Boobs the Bartender at 5a7@avivalasvegas.com. Make sure to put Boobs the Bartender in the subject line.
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