The Evolution of the Martini (Part 5)

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Here at the American Martini Laboratory, we have been running a series of re-creations to track the evolution of the Emperor of Cocktails from its unlikely ancestor, the Manhattan, through the strange beauty of the Martinez, up to the austere and steely perfection that is the Martini.

Not everybody drinks Martinis, of course, and there's nothing wrong with that. But let's be honest here. There are moments in life that call for nothing less. Immediately after winning World War II, for example, did your grandfather reach for a Fuzzy Peach Navel? We think not. Upon finishing "One Perfect Rose," did Dorothy Parker fix herself a Screaming Orgasm? She'd have thrown the thing in your face.

Today, after long and regrettable delay, we arrive at perfection.

Here's the recipe:

Martini 

Three to five parts London gin
One part dry vermouth
shake over ice
strain into a glass
serve with an olive or a twist of lemon peel

It's just that simple.

We at the Laboratory had a tasting, of course, and... it was a Martini. 'Nuff said.


And in days to come...

But does the story end here? It does not. Mankind, in its infinite pride, cannot keep from tinkering with perfection. The results will be posted here in a continuing series, so that future generations may learn from our tragic mistakes.


And for those who came in late . . .

Part 1:  Click here to discover the Ur-ancestor of the Martini.

Part 2:  Click here to witness the miracle that was the Martinez.

Part 3:  Click here to discover the first, not-entirely-convincing Martini.

Part 4: Click here to discover the last (and worst) of the pre-Martinis.

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