The Lost Art of The Martini
If someone were to ask you what the quintessential cocktail was, The Martini certainly wouldn’t be far from your mind.
A mere mention of the word Martini conjures images of sleek elegance, from the clink of chilled glassware to the seductive dance of the cocktail stirrer.
At Naught, we’re big fans of this icon of cocktail culture, taking great pride in serving them up for those who love the classic style, but not shying away from our own twist for those more adventurous.
But when it comes to how to make the perfect Martini, searching the internet for answers can be utterly overwhelming.
But never fear, Naught is here.
Stick around, and let’s explore the history of this iconic cocktail and how to impress a Martini-loving crowd every time your stirring skills are put to the test.
History of the Martini
The Martini, often clad in mystery and allure, began its journey in the late 1800s.
The origin is a little bit debated, with some saying it was born in San Francisco, others claim it was in the town of Martinez, California that birthed the famous beverage.
Some even claim it was a New York bartender at the Knickerbocker Hotel, created for America’s first billionaire, John B. Rockefeller.
Regardless of its true origins, the Martini quickly ascended to become the crown jewel of the cocktail world, synonymous with sophistication and a dash of cinematic drama.
The martini is more than a drink – it’s an institution – celebrated in the hands of James Bonds and at countless dimly-lit upscale bars across the globe.
The Perfect Martini Gin
What makes a Martini from Naught not just good, but unforgettable? The gin of course.
Call us biased, but in our opinion, you can’t go passed Naught when it comes to crafting a martini to impress.
Our range offers a variety of award-winning gins to suit all pallets of Martini:
Fancy the traditional? Go for our Classic Dry Gin, and opt for a lemon twist, or go dirty with an olive (or three).
Looking for something botanical? Our Australian Dry Gin is perfect, garnished with a lemon or orange twist.
Want to take your Martini to the next level? The boldness of our Overproof Gin adds bright citrus and punch like nothing else. Add a little orange bitters and a grapefruit twist for a beautifully citrusy mix.
When it comes to vermouth, there are as many options as there are gins. We love Noily Pratt in the Martinis we make at the Naught Bar in Eltham for its consistency and beautiful pairing with any of our gins.
This is how you can turn our gins into lip-smackingly good Martinis from home.
Crafting The Classic Naught Martini
At Naught, the classic martini is elevated to something truly extraordinary through precision and tradition.
Here’s how we craft our definitive version using Naught’s Classic Dry Gin, beloved for its clean, crisp botanicals that perfectly complement the iconic Martini.
Classic Martini with a Twist
Ingredients:
- 70ml Naught Classic Dry Gin
- 10ml Noily Prat Vermouth
- 1 dash of orange bitters
- A twist of lemon and a lemon coin (optional)
Method
- Start with your mixing glass.
- Pour in your Naught Classic Dry Gin and Noily Prat Vermouth.
- Add a dash of orange bitters.
- Add ice, and stir well with a mixing bar spoon (40 rotations is a good place to start).
- Strain into a chilled Martini glass.
- Garnish with a twist of lemon. Express the lemon coin over the glass for an extra citrus punch.
Dirty Martini
Ingredients:
- 65ml Naught Classic Dry Gin
- 10ml Noily Prat Vermouth
- 5ml olive brine
- Olives for garnish
Method:
- Start with your mixing glass.
- Pour in your Naught Classic Dry Gin, vermouth, and olive brine.
- Add ice, and stir well with a mixing bar spoon (40 rotations is a good place to start)
- Strain into a chilled Martini glass.
- Garnish with one or three olives (even numbers are bad luck).
Try these variations and see what suits you. Experiment with making it a little more “wet” by taking some gin out in place of some vermouth. Or, go “drier” by doing the opposite.
Try making a version that accentuates the botanical nuances by swapping out our Classic Dry Gin for our Australian Dry Gin, making it a more vibrant, refreshing choice.
Then, try out an Overproof Martini. Enjoy the punchier, more intense flavour as the enhanced alcohol content carries the aromatic botanicals beautifully.
The Martini is a blank canvas you can paint with whatever flavours you most enjoy.
Tips For The Perfect Martini
Creating crowd-pleasing masterpiece Martinis is an art form that combines a little know-how and personal preference.
Here are the essential tips to help you master the Martini from the comfort of your own home bar with your favourite Naught gin:
1. Chill Your Glassware:
Start by chilling your Martini glass and mixing glass. A cold glass ensures the Martini stays crisp from the first sip to the last. Simply fill them with ice before you start and empty them before you start building and then pouring your cocktail.
2. Measure Precisely:
Accuracy is key in the art of Martini-making. Use a jigger to measure your gin and vermouth precisely. The right balance will enhance the flavour and create a harmonious blend that is sure to impress.
3. Ice Matters:
Use large, clear ice cubes to stir your Martini. Larger ice melts slower, reducing dilution and maintaining the integrity of the gin’s flavour profile.
4. Stir, Don’t Shake:
Unless you prefer a shaken Martini (à la James Bond), stirring is the way to go. Stirring gently for about 30 seconds or 40 rotations will chill the cocktail sufficiently without overly diluting the spirit, preserving Naught Gin’s complex flavours.
5. Choose Your Garnish Wisely:
The garnish is more than just decorative; it significantly influences the taste of your Martini. Whether you choose a lemon twist, an olive or even an onion (for a Gibson), make sure it’s fresh and complements the botanicals of your gin. The essential oils from a citrus twist can subtly alter the flavor profile, enhancing the gin’s inherent characteristics.
6. “How Wet Do You Want It?”
The gin-to-vermouth ratio can dramatically change your Martini’s profile. Classic Martinis generally go for a drier vermouth, and adding more creates a more “wet” flavour. A “dry” Martini is traditional, but don’t hesitate to experiment with different ratios to find what best highlights the nuances of your gin.
7. Serve Immediately:
A Martini is best enjoyed immediately after it’s made. Its allure lies in its temperature and freshness so pour and serve promptly to capture its quintessential charm.
Down at our humble little Naught Cocktail Bar in Eltham, we’ve used our Martini prowess to put together something special for Martini lovers…
The Naught Signature Martini perfectly exemplifies our Distinctly Elegant, Playfully Wicked spirit.
Paying homage to both the traditional and the revolutionary, this tantalising delight will have you coming back for more with its unbelievable flavour and smoothness.
Based on our daring Overproof Gin, a secret house blend of vermouths and a little white tea from Rujani Tea in Montmorency.
Garnished with a twist or an olive, our Signature Martini is the perfect way to start the night, end the night, or frankly any time in between.
But don’t just take our word for it—come on in and experience the magic of our Signature Martini for yourself.
Book your table now and ensure your spot at our bar at the link below. And why not grab a bottle of our gin on the way out so you can make your own divine Martinis from home?