There are two camps in the cocktail world: a camp that orders martinis and a camp that does not. And it is possible that some people don’t order martinis because they are still searching for their best martini, or they are not sure about the right way to do it. Although ordering a martini may seem easy for those who do it regularly, many people fumble when a bartender decides to go specifically on a martini menu. This article explores various tips on ordering a martini to help you get your cocktail without looking like an idiot.
Know Your Style
It is worth noting that there are three basic martini styles: a dry martini, a wet martini, and a dirty martini. A dry martini contains less vermouth, and the spirit to vermouth ratio is higher; hence, it is prominent in terms of flavor. On the other hand, a wet martini has higher vermouth to spirit ratio. As for the dirty martini, it uses olives as an additional kick.
Know Your Choice Alcohol
Is it gin or vodka? This is one of the most baffling questions in the cocktail world. When it comes to whether you should order gin or vodka, all the answers are correct. It all depends on your personal preference. However, gin is the most commonly used spirit in making martinis. You don’t have to fear experimenting or asking for recommendations from other people. Vodka does not contain any juniper hints; hence, it can be a suitable choice if you need a clean flavor.
Know Your Garnish Preference
A citrus twist, cocktail onion, and olives constitute the most common garnishes of a martini. Since your garnish choice is a matter of preference, you can order whatever garnish you want without any judgment. Seeking information from a bartender about the garnish option that works best for your choice spirit can really help here.
Stirred or Shaken Martini
Your choice spirit will determine whether you should have a stirred or a shaken martini. Since vodka is shaken, go for it if in need of an ice cold. But if you prefer a cold drink without ice crystals, then you should choose a stirred gin.
On the Rocks or Straight Up
This is how you want your martini to be served. If you say “on the rocks,” it means you want your martini to be served over ice. “Up” means you want your drink in a chilled tall martini glass. If your martini is appropriately diluted, then the ice is not necessary. However, if you need ice go for it. After all, you should have your cocktail however you prefer.
Bottom Line
Martini is a simple cocktail but can be daunting to order if you’re not sure about what exactly to ask for. There are other cocktails that you can enjoy however, the tips in this article can help you order a martini like a pro. It is worth noting that ordering a martini is a personal decision, and you should take your time to understand how you want your drink. Once you have figured out, you should go ahead and order the drink confidently.
