We show you how to make a delicious vodka martini at home

In celebration of World Vodka Day, we made a quick video to show you how to make a Blood Orange Vodka Martini. You can find also written instructions and the full ingredients list at the bottom of this post.

 

What is a Martini?

The martini was traditionally a cocktail made from gin and vermouth, finished off with an olive or a twist of lemon. The cocktail was made with two parts gin to one part vermouth, however the ratio of gin increased dramatically over the years. Martinis are typically stirred over ice to retain purity and reduce dilution, and then served ‘straight up’, which simply means ‘without ice’.

They are classic, simple, yet elegant cocktails, with emphasis on technique and precise measurements. Any cocktail bartender worth their flaked sea-salt should know how to mix up an authentic martini, and of course those who order them will appreciate the attention to detail!

Martinis can usually be divided into three distinct styles, which include:

Martini styles explained

Dry Martini: The dry martini became popular in the Roaring Twenties and the ‘dryness’ of the martini can be measured according to the amount of vermouth added to the drink. Legend has it that bartenders of old would, when asked for a ‘bone-dry’ martini simply wave the bottle of vermouth in the general direction of France, which would suffice!

Dirty Martini: The dirty martini is classified by the inclusion of olive brine, and is best made with a London dry gin, or with a Polish rye vodka. Using these will help cut through the ‘thickness’ of the brine. Just as vermouth is to the dry martini, olive brine is to the dirty. They can be made ‘slightly grubby’ with just a whisper of brine, or ‘absolutely filthy’, made with almost equal parts spirit and brine! Consequently, the dirty martini is most certainly an acquired taste!

Perfect Martini: As the name suggests, the perfect martini is made with equal parts sweet and dry vermouth mixed with the drinker’s chosen spirit, however sweet vermouth is not usually included in the modern martini.

As time passed, the martini evolved to include other less-traditional ingredients, such as vodka. The vodka martini was James Bond’s famous drink of choice, but was always ordered ‘shaken, not stirred’.

Some purists would argue that the only ingredients that should go in a martini are gin and vermouth, however martinis these days come in countless versions of ‘Twisted Classics’ such as Raspberry & White Chocolate, Strawberry & Basil, in addition to Sweet Lime & Cracked Pepper!

While we are big supporters of the classic, at Jimmy’s we also love to mix things up. You’ll find a Salted Caramel Espresso Martini on Jimmy’s Luxury List, and a Vanilla Pear Martini on the Twisted Classic list featured on Sundays.

 

Image of finished Blood Orange Vodka Martini

How to make a Blood Orange Vodka Martini

 Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 cup ice
  • 45ml Vodka
  • 15ml Blood Orange Liqueur
  • 3 drops of Orange Bitters
  • Peel of 1 Blood Orange.

Method

  1. First of all, place the martini glass in the refrigerator to chill and wait 20 minutes
  2. Place the Vodka, Blood Orange Liqueur and Orange Bitters into the mixing glass
  3. Add the ice, seal the shaker with the stainless-steel tin and shake vigorously for only a few seconds
  4. Strain through a fine strainer into the martini glass
  5. Cut a 50 cent piece sized circle of blood orange zest. Hold above the drink with zest facing outwards. Hold naked flame underneath while squeezing the skin quickly. The oils will ignite, creating an aromatic mist that will fall gently onto the surface of the martini. This will impart the subtle zesty flavour of orange oil into the cocktail. If you are unsure of this step or not feeling confident, of course you should leave it out! We would hate for you to burn yourself or singe your eyebrows!

Finally, the only thing left to do is enjoy your delicious martini. If you’re not really up to making a cocktail at home, of course you could come and see us at Jimmy’s Bar & Lounge. Featuring more than 20 cocktails and over 100 Whiskeys, our menu is sure to have something you will love! Remember to always Drink Responsibly!

You may also like