What is Dry Martini?
Dry Martini is a classic and timeless cocktail that has stood the test of time. Its origin is a topic of debate among cocktail lovers, but it is commonly accepted that it emerged in the late nineteenth century in the United States.
It is a variant of the original Martini, a mixture of gin and vermouth, seasoned with an olive or a twist of lemon. The term “dry” refers to the proportion of gin and vermouth, with a Dry Martini having a higher proportion of gin.
This cocktail is known for its elegance and simplicity. Its presentation in a martini glass, together with its brilliant transparency and subtle decoration, evokes images of sophistication and style.
What makes Dry Martini unique?
Its uniqueness lies in its balance of flavors and purity. Unlike other cocktails that can contain multiple ingredients and flavors, its a celebration of its two main ingredients: gin and vermouth.
- The gin, with its botanical profile, brings depth and complexity.
- The vermouth, with its sweetness and herbal aromas, softens the gin and adds an additional layer of flavor.
Resulting in a cocktail that is both strong and soft, with a taste that is more than the sum of its parts.
Ingredients of the Dry Martini
Dry Martini requires only a few ingredients:
- Gin: its the basis. Its strong, botanical flavor is crucial to the character of the cocktail. Make sure to use a good quality gin to get the best flavor.
- Dry vermouth: Provides a subtle sweetness and herbal flavor that complements gin. When choosing a vermouth, look for one that is balanced and not too sweet.
- Olive or lemon twist: These are used to decorate the cocktail and add an extra touch of flavor. The olive provides a salinity that balances the sweetness of vermouth, while the twist of lemon provides a citrus note that enhances the botanical flavors of gin.
- Ice: Its used to cool the cocktail and slightly dilute the ingredients.
How to prepare a Dry Martini?
Its preparation may seem simple, but each step is crucial to get the perfect result.
1. Cool the cup
Start by cooling the martini glass. You can fill it with ice and water and let it rest while you prepare the cocktail. This will ensure your Dry Martini stays cold longer.
2. Mix gin and vermouth
Add gin and vermouth to a mixing cup filled with ice. The traditional ratio is 5 parts gin to 1 parts vermouth, but you can adjust it to your taste. If you prefer a drier martini, use less vermouth.
3. Stir the mixture
Stir the mixture with a bar spoon for about 30 seconds. This will help cool and dilute the mixture slightly, softening the flavors.
4. Strain and serve
Strain the mixture into the cooled martini cup. This will remove the ice chips and ensure your martini is soft and clear.
5. Decorate
Decorate the cocktail with an olive or a lemon twist. Simply place the olive on the bottom of the cup, or twist the lemon peel over the cocktail to squeeze the essential oils, and then drop the peel into the cup.
Dry Martini variants
Although the traditional Dry Martini is a classic cocktail, there are several variants that you can try to vary the flavors.
- Dirty Martini: This variant includes a splash of olive juice, which gives it a saltier flavor and a slight opacity.
- Vodka Martini: As the name suggests, this version uses vodka instead of gin. The taste is softer and less botanical than a gin martini.
- Perfect Martini: This martini uses equal parts dry vermouth and sweet vermouth, giving it a sweeter and more complex flavor.
Regardless of the variant you choose, the key to its flavor is the quality of the ingredients. Bruni Collin’s is your premium gin. Enjoy it!
