Shaken, Not Stirred: How To Order A Killer Martini

January 1, 2024 – Learn how to order a martini, from selecting your base to the perfect garnish, in our comprehensive guide to this classic cocktail.

Picture a dimly lit bar, the clink of ice against glass, the perfect blend of elegance and intrigue. That’s the essence of ordering a martini at BFF Asian Grill and Sports Bar. Here, every martini is a mission. It is, after all, our signature drink. This iconic cocktail, a mix of gin or vodka and vermouth, is a classic. But do you know how to order it like a pro?

James Bond and His Iconic Martini Preference

When it comes to martinis, no one is more famous for their preference than James Bond, the quintessential spy. Bond’s choice of cocktail is not just a drink order; it’s a symbol of his sophistication and cool demeanor. His iconic line, “shaken, not stirred,” has become synonymous with the character and has influenced martini culture globally.

Bond typically opts for a vodka martini, which aligns with his sleek and straightforward style. The “shaken, not stirred” method he prefers introduces a bit more air into the drink, making it slightly cooler and more diluted than a stirred version. This preference has sparked debates among enthusiasts, as traditionalists argue that stirring preserves the clarity and strength of the spirit.

However, Bond’s preference goes beyond the mechanics of mixing. It reflects his distinct persona – a blend of elegance, efficiency, and a touch of rebellion against convention. By choosing a vodka martini, shaken, he sets himself apart, much like he does in his daring missions.

Ordering a Martini Like a Pro

The First Move: Gin or Vodka

Choosing between gin and vodka is like selecting the right gadget for a mission. With its botanical complexity, Gin is for the drinker who enjoys a nuanced, layered experience. Smooth and unobtrusive vodka suits the operative who prefers a sleek, streamlined approach. Our bar is stocked with an arsenal of both, ready to suit any taste or mood.

Preparation: The Art of Shaken or Stirred

To shake or stir – it’s a decision that can change the course of an evening. Shaking this cocktail results in a colder, slightly aerated drink, perfect for when one needs to stay cool under pressure—stirring yields a more potent concoction, ideal for the moments when a direct approach is necessary.

Vermouth: The Secret Ingredient

The right amount of vermouth can turn a simple drink into a complex masterpiece. A dry martini keeps it to a bare minimum, while a wet martini allows the vermouth to come to the fore, much like a hidden asset becoming crucial to a mission’s success.

The Garnish: A Final Flourish

This cocktail’s garnish is not mere decoration; it’s the final clue to its character. The citrus twist, sharp and precise, can cut through tension, while the olive is for those moments of understated sophistication. For the agent who enjoys a bit of subterfuge, a splash of olive brine makes it dirty.

Your Order: A Statement

When you order, do it with assurance. Specify your spirit, state your preference for shaken or stirred, decide on the dryness, and choose your garnish. Like a coded message, every part of your order conveys a depth of knowledge and preference.

Mastering the Martini: A Journey Through Varieties

When it comes to martinis, the variety is as rich as its history. This iconic cocktail has evolved into a spectrum of styles, each with its unique character and appeal. From the classic gin to its modern vodka variant and from the simplicity of a dry martini to the intricate balance of a perfect martini, exploring these types offers a glimpse into the art of mixology.

Classic Gin

The traditional gin martini is a timeless choice. It combines gin’s botanical notes with the subtle hints of dry vermouth. It’s often garnished with an olive or a lemon twist.

Vodka

A modern twist on the classic, the vodka martini swaps gin for vodka. It’s smoother and more subtle. Like its gin counterpart, it can be garnished with olives or a lemon twist.

Dirty

For those who enjoy a briny flavor, the dirty martini includes olive juice or brine. It adds a savory depth to either a gin or vodka base.

Dry

A dry martini has less vermouth, making it stronger and more focused on the spirit. It’s popular among those who enjoy the pure taste of gin or vodka.

Wet

A wet martini, conversely, has a higher proportion of vermouth. It’s a bit sweeter and softer than a dry martini, highlighting the vermouth’s flavors.

Perfect

A perfect martini uses equal parts of sweet and dry vermouth with your choice of gin or vodka. It’s a harmonious blend for those who like a bit of both worlds.

Gibson

This is essentially a martini but is garnished with a pickled onion instead of the traditional olive or lemon twist.

Vesper

Made famous by James Bond, this is a specific type of martini that includes gin, vodka, and Kina Lillet.

Kangaroo

This is an older name for what is now commonly known as a vodka martini.

What’s the Difference Between a Dry and Wet Martini?

Dry: A dry martini contains less vermouth. When someone orders it, they are typically asking for a drink with a higher proportion of gin or vodka and just a splash or even a rinse of vermouth. In this context, the term “dry” refers to the reduction in the sweet vermouth’s presence, making the drink less sweet and more focused on the primary spirit.

Wet: A wet martini contains a higher ratio of vermouth to gin or vodka. It’s not as strong as a dry martini regarding alcohol content due to the increased proportion of vermouth. “wet” implies a sweeter profile and a less alcohol-forward flavor.

Not a Mission Impossible

At BFF Asian Grill and Sports Bar, we craft our martinis with the same attention to detail and quality that would meet the standards of James Bond himself. Whether you prefer your cocktail shaken or stirred, with gin or vodka, dry or wet, we ensure each cocktail is an experience worth savoring – a nod to the legendary spy and the legacy he left in the world of cocktails.

Our bartenders are ready to concoct a drink perfectly tailored to your tastes – whether it’s a classic recipe or something more avant-garde.