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Martini The Cocktail Of Choice

There are a lot of drinks on this planet. There’s the Margarita, which is made with tequila. You have one of the basic cocktails – gin and tonic. There’s also the cute-sounding Daiquiri. There’s the Bloody Mary, a concoction that has so many ingredients that you could easily substitute soups with it.

But no other cocktail could reach the level of popularity that the Martini enjoys.

A martini is not just any other cocktail. It is a special mix that has spawned its own culture and is considered a trend unto itself. You haven’t heard of a Bloody Mary party right? But people go gaga over throwing martini parties.

A traditional martini is made by mixing gin and vermouth in ice or “straight up” without the ice. Later on, people began substituting gin with vodka, but martini die-hards prefer gin and insist on calling martini with vodka, vodka martini.

From the original mix, martinis have evolved into an array of flavors ranging from fruity mixes to more sensual mixtures like the chocolate martini.

Whatever the mix, martinis have become a symbol for classic sophistication – even martini glasses can make any liquid look more fashionable and classy. The martini has achieved a feat that no other alcoholic drink could probably replicate. Many prominent figures have publicly expressed their love for martini. According to American reporter, critic and commentator H.L. Mencken, the martini is the “only American invention as perfect as a sonnet.” Literary critic Bernard DeVoto gushed that the martini is the “supreme American gift to world culture.”

James Bond wants it, Winston Churchill loved it, Franklin Roosevelt enjoyed it – the martini certainly holds up to its reputation as the most fashionable cocktail ever created.

But why is the martini as popular as it is?

Some attribute the drink’s fame to the popularity of its base element – gin. It is believed that the gin rose to fame during the Prohibition Era, which took place in the United States during the 1920s until the early 1930s. During this period, the sale and production of alcohol for consumption was prohibited, and the gin, being relatively easy to produce and acquire since it did not need to be aged like most alcoholic beverages, became the most popular drink of the era.

Although the stories regarding the creation of the martini vary, all accounts agree that the drink originated in Martinez, in San Francisco, California.

But even if the true origin of the eternally-trendy martini is unknown, we could all be certain of one thing – the martini is truly everyone’s cocktail of choice.

Popularity: 22% [?]

How To Throw A Martini Party

Throwing a party is something most of us scratch our heads over. All the planning just makes even the best of us feel insecure about our personal ideas. Why wouldn’t that be the case when what’s at stake is our social reputation? Throwing a bad party is just as memorable as throwing a good one. People will not forget a good event and likewise, people will not forget a disaster.

If throwing an ordinary party is hard, then arranging a martini party could be much worse. A martini party is just not a party. It is THE party. It is the epitome of cosmopolitan sophistication.

If you throw a martini party, the event could turn into either of these two things: (a) it could be an affair that will elevate your hosting status and grant you membership to the ultra-exclusive “sophisticated partiers’ club” or (b) it could make you look like you are trying too hard to fit in.

The perfect martini party should be grand without being over-the-top, hip without being pretentious and fashionable without losing its classic touch.

But how, you ask, could I throw a martini party that satisfies all the above-mentioned conditions without losing my sanity?

Do not panic just yet. The perfect martini party is not an unattainable thing. Believe it or not, it is actually possible.

First, to make things more exciting and unique, you must decide on a theme. You may go for the good ‘ol Old Hollywood theme where martinis simply fit in like Cinderella’s foot in the glass shoe. Actually, any theme idea is good, but be sure to tailor it specifically to suit the martini. Create a classic twist for whatever party theme you would decide on.

Second, make an inventory of your available bartending materials. If you only have plastic liquid vessels, then you must run out and get some real martini glasses. Plastic cups are for beer in college frat parties. Glasses are for cocktails in adult gatherings. You ARE an adult, right? Also, do not forget shakers and other barware like tongs, shot glasses, ice buckets, jiggers and Hawthorne strainers.

Third, be flexible and fun. Never assume that all party-goers prefer the classic martini mix of gin and vermouth. Some prefer vodka martinis, while some like sweeter martinis. So stock up on flavored vodka and other ingredients like fruit juices to create unique martini twists. Also, do not forget to give your guests a wide range of garnishes to choose from.

Fourth, set the mood for the party. A good party is not all about the personal “hipness” of your guests (although that is a factor) or the amount of money you spend on the actual party. Ambiance plays a big part in a party’s success. You may want to dim the lights and play some jazzy tunes. The mood can make or break the party. Take note of that.

Finally, relax and enjoy. Do not spend the whole night worrying about martini mixes and other party supplies. Make sure you get all details ironed out before the party begins. Go around, talk, laugh, flirt, catch up on old friends and make new ones.

This is your perfect martini party. Enjoy it.

Popularity: 50% [?]

Light Up Martini Glasses

Light up martini glasses come in many styles and colors. If you want to give your party a club-like look, or would just like something pretty to look at while you sip your drink, you may want to consider light up martini glasses.

These glasses are usually some type of food grade acrylic and are battery powered, there is usually a power switch on the bottom. Many are exclusively one color, but there are also options for changing colors, or to set the color of your choice, or you can have a rainbow effect.

These can make a nice novelty option or just add something different to your gathering. Many are hand washable and reusable, but some are disposable. It would probably be a good idea to shop around for the right style to fit your taste and price range. Also for a large party, don’t be afraid to ask for a volume discount.

Great deals can be found on eBay, but please take the time to read the product listing carefully. It’s just easier to order the correct item the first time, then going through the hassel of returns.

Also, when shopping for deals, better prices can often be found in the auctions, as opposed to the, buy now stores. Although many people prefer buy it now for the convenience.

You can find other LED Martini Glass options in our Martini Glass Store.

Popularity: 34% [?]

Martini Sets Dress Up Your Bar

It doesn’t take a lot to serve Martinis. All that is required, are some glasses, ice, Gin or Vodka, Vermouth, and a suitable garnish, such as, green olives. With these simple ingredients anyone can create a classic martini, or if your like me add some olive brine and serve it dirty.

If you are in the mood for something sweeter, you can always get some sugar rimmed glasses and some lemon juice and create a Lemon Drop Martini, which is also one of my favorite martinis. In fact it was one of my favorite drinks, even before I realized it was a martini variation.

If you prefer a fruitier drink there is always the Appletini and of course, the Oprah favorite, the tasty pomegranate martini. You can also dress up your bar with cocktail shakers, cocktail stirers, and glasses to suit any taste.

The Martini Set, is one of my favorite martini accessories. You can get a pitcher with matching glasses, you can go for something sleek and contemporary or find a unique antique martini set.

My favorite sets are the lead crystal martini sets and the silver Vintage-Chased martini sets. I also like the sets that have gold designs and decorated rims. I guess you could say I have expensive taste.

Popularity: 45% [?]

Making The Perfect Martini

People say you can go on your whole life searching for your one true love and still end up alone. Well, that saying also holds true for your martini journey. Making the perfect martini just seems so impossible that some self-professed, die-hard martini lovers die, no pun intended, without being able to create the perfect martini mix. Okay, this is an exaggeration.

Or maybe not.

But like love, the definition of perfection in the context of martini-making is subjective. Ultimately, the perfect martini boils down to what you think it should be. Do you want it dry? Do you want it sweet? Do you want it to look cloudy? Or do you want it clear? Sometimes, even the glass used can influence a person’s perception of perfection. Some think plastic is okay while some want to use only martini glasses, nothing else.

Therefore, the first step in making the perfect martini is deciding on what the term “perfect” means to you. For every kind of martini preference, there is a corresponding recipe that claims the ability to create perfection. But it is your own taste buds, or the taste buds of the one you are creating it for, that will be the judge.

Also, how do you define “martini”? If you are of the traditional martini mold, you would only consider a martini, a “martini,” if it is made with gin. But if you are more of the lenient type, you would have no qualms about slashing the word “vodka” from vodka martini.

Next, what do you want your martini to taste like? Martinis come in different variations and you could customize your martini to suit your taste. If you like the usual martini, all you need are the basic ingredients: gin, vermouth, and ice. You could also substitute gin with vodka, but if you like to experience martini in its most original form, then gin is the way to go. But if you are among the more adventurous type, you can choose from an expanding variety of martini mixes. Martinis nowadays do not only come in the usual gin/vodka and vermouth mix. There is now an extensive array of martinis that taste sweet and fruity. Some mixes can be made by using flavored vodka, while some entail the need for fruit juices or other, more unique ingredients like chocolate.

You also have to decide whether you want your martini dry or extra dry. The level of dryness could be customized to your taste, just watch your vermouth. The lesser the vermouth, the drier your martini will be. There is no shame in meticulous measurement. Use your mother’s measuring cups if you have to. If you are serious about creating the perfect martini, do not attempt trying the “cool” method of waving the vermouth bottle over the gin to achieve dryness. It won’t do you and your martini any good.

One of the most popular debates about creating perfect martinis is the mixing method. Is it better to have your drink “shaken, not stirred”?

It is widely believed that shaking “bruises” the liquor, meaning, it intensifies the flavor of the drink. Also, it is said that the shaking motion traps air within the liquid and creates the cloudy appearance of the drink. Also, don’t forget, a chilled martini glass.

On the other hand, stirring is a slower and gentler way of mixing. The longer mixing time will cause the drink to look clearer but it will not be as cold as shaken martini.

Just like man’s eternal quest for love, your search for the perfect martini recipe may be tiresome and it may also seem futile at times. But the key to finding perfection is to know what you want and having the perseverance to find it.

Popularity: 13% [?]

Martini How To Make One

Making a martini is easy. How you go about it really depends on your personal preference. A classic martini is either gin or vodka, with a touch of vermouth. Either stirred or shaken with ice and then poured into a chilled martini glass. Then garnished with an olive.

You can also make many variations, such as the lemon drop, and appletini, or cosmopolitan or hosts of other drink recipes. Your imagination is really the limit when it comes to martini recipes. Besides having an appropriate glass, the garnish can really bring the look of the drink together. Instead of the traditional olive, you can use an onion, or lemon wedge.

If it is some sort of fruit martini, use an apple wedge, or pomegranate seeds, or a mandarin orange slice, or a slice of orange peel. If it’s a chocolate drink use a hershey kiss, or a marshmallow. There really are no limits.

Besides the drinks themselves and the glasses and shakers, another thing that can bring your Martini Party together is the decor itself. A clever trick I have found for decorating for your party is to purchase vintage martini shakers and accessories. You may not want to actually drink something from that vintage martini shaker you purchased from eBay.

But it makes a great adornment for your bar. Not to mention a great conversation piece. “Yeah, my grandpa used that shaker back in WWII”.

Once again when it comes to making martinis your imagination is the only limit. The basics are pour, stir, strain, and drink. Have fun!

Popularity: 18% [?]