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Wednesday, January 8, 2014

The Vodka Martini – A Timeless Classic



The martini.  A classic drink that evokes images of powerful businessmen discussing important issues over long lunches or a secret agent deftly interrogating a beautiful girl at a posh casino.



(Image Credit – nypress.com)

Although its popularity has been on the rise in recent years, the purity of a classic martini has been lost by the introduction of far-flung additional ingredients such as chocolate, pomegranate, or chili flakes.  Most of these modern drinks are only called “martinis” simply because they are served in a martini glass.

The Four State Food Critic is a traditional guy when it comes to cocktails, and the martini is no exception.  The “classic” martini can be created with either gin or vodka, and the FSFC prefers the latter.  This is a case where you want the best vodka you can find.  Save the Smirnoff for your Bloody Mary or Screwdriver.  You want to go “top shelf” here, such as a Grey Goose or Ketel One.

Classic Vodka Martini


  • Three 3 1 ½ oz shots of “top shelf” vodka
  • Splash of dry vermouth
  • Olives

Take a martini glass (or other glass) and add water and ice to chill it, setting aside.  Once the glass has cooled for a few minutes, pour out the ice and cold water.  Pour a splash of dry vermouth into the glass and roll the glassware, coating the inside with the vermouth.  Pour out the excess.  In an ice filled shaker, add the three 1 ½ ounce shots of vodka.  Cover and gently shake until cold.  With a strainer, pour out the chilled vodka into the vermouth-coated glass.  Add two olives for garnish.

The FSFC also likes to make his martinis “dirty” by adding about 2/3 of a shot glass of olive juice to the vodka in the shaker prior to mixing.  Additional olives (as garnish) are also welcomed with open arms.

This is a powerful drink, so sip it (don’t gulp it).  Savor the taste and the moment!

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