Achieve Martini heaven with mathematical formula
Shaken, wet, vodka-based, chilled and inexpensive – the five elements of the all new perfect martini.
Determined to keep the legacy of the ultimate classic cocktail – the Dirty Martini - alive, the mixologists at Dirty Martini have developed the formula for the perfect martini, based on changing British tastes, to ensure we can create martini nirvana.
Dirty Martini, which has bars in Covent Garden and newly opened Hanover Square, carried out extensive research into the tastes of cocktail drinkers across the UK with some startling results; the classic gin based martini is no longer a favourite, with three-quarters (76 per cent) claiming that they would prefer an alternative with a modern twist and in a move to emulate James Bond Brits have broken with tradition and prefer their martinis shaken and not stirred.
Vodka is now the order of the day when it comes to martinis and us Brits like them “wet”, with one in two (49 per cent) opting for a little extra vermouth as opposed to having it “straight up” or “dirty”.
The research also showed that for most, the perfect martini is served chilled, but not ice cold in order to maximise flavour and maintain a refreshing touch. In addition it should cost no more than £10, with just one in 10 people prepared to pay more.
Matt Greenwood, general manager of Dirty Martini said, “Martini tastes are evolving – our research shows that over a third (36 per cent) of under 25s claim to prefer a modern martini to the classic one, as we can see with the substitution of gin with vodka in a dirty martini and the desire for the drink to be shaken and not stirred. It is exactly because of this that we have such a vast array of modern twists on the classic drink available at Dirty Martini, such as the Hey-Berry and Sunset Martinis and we offer to make the classic dirty martini either stirred or shaken according to customer taste”.
“However, the art of making such a classic drink should not be lost – and we remain traditionalists when making this legendary drink at Dirty Martini, small touches such as using the freshest possible ingredients and serving the drink in a traditional martini glass, as we do at Dirty Martini, make all the difference. My top tip is to always garnish your martini with a fresh olive; it’s a small touch that adds that vital extra dimension to this timeless cocktail.”
The Perfect Martini, now being trialled by Dirty Martini:
What you need:
50ml vodka
20ml vermouth
Ice
Olive to garnish
Chilled martini glass
Method:
Ensure that your martini glass has been in the freezer for at least an hour so that it is completely chilled.
Add the vodka and vermouth to a cocktail shaker and fill it up with ice.
Shake for 10-15 seconds – this will chill the drink to around four degrees centigrade as well as melt the ice, which will water the cocktail down slightly.
Strain the drink in to a chilled martini glass.
Garnish with an olive.
* Formula was calculated by Roger Bird, Mathematician from Andrell Education.
** The research, carried out by YourSayPays, polled 2,000 people from across the UK.