“Shaken, not stirred” is one of the most iconic cocktail orders in cinematic history, thanks to Ian Fleming’s James Bond. Interestingly, in Fleming’s original novels, Bond’s Martini preference was often the reverse—“stirred, not shaken.” However, the phrase was flipped in the films, giving it a sharper, cooler edge that cemented it in pop culture. But Bond’s catchphrase is only one small part of the Martini’s story, so what does it all mean?
Shaken vs. Stirred
A Martini can be made by either shaking the ingredients with ice in a cocktail shaker or gently stirring them in a mixing glass. Shaking is a more dramatic approach and incorporates more air into the drink, giving it a slightly frothy texture and diluting the alcohol just a bit more. This technique also chills the Martini quickly, and is the often prefered method for vodka-based Martinis. Some purists argue though that it “bruises” the gin and muddles its flavors.
Stirring, on the other hand, is the traditional method. It’s gentler on the ingredients, producing a silkier texture and a clearer drink. Bartenders often recommend stirring for gin-based Martinis to preserve the delicate botanical notes.
Dry Martini
A dry Martini refers to the amount of vermouth used—or rather, the lack thereof. The term “dry” indicates that only a small splash of dry vermouth is added, letting the base spirit—gin or vodka—take center stage. Some enthusiasts even request their Martini “extra dry,” which can mean anything from a mere rinse of vermouth to none at all.
Dirty Martini
For those who enjoy a savory twist, the dirty Martini is the way to go. This version incorporates olive brine or olive juice, giving the drink a salty, umami-rich flavor. It’s typically garnished with one or more olives, enhancing the briny character.
Other Martini Variations
Martinis are endlessly customizable. The Vesper Martini, another Bond classic, combines gin, vodka, and Lillet Blanc for a unique blend. The Gibson Martini substitutes a cocktail onion for the traditional olive garnish, adding a subtle bite. For a sweeter option, there’s the Espresso Martini (as served at Churrasco Phuket Steakhouse), made with coffee liqueur and espresso, or the Chocolate Martini for dessert lovers.
No matter how you take yours, the Martini remains a symbol of elegance in a glass.
Image Credit: https://www.freepik.com
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Churrasco Phuket Steakhouse serves affordable Wagyu and Black Angus steaks and burgers. We are open daily from 12noon to 11pm at Jungceylon Shopping Center in Patong / Phuket.
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