How to make a really good martini?

[Butterflyinglow]

I haven’t had a cocktail since before the pandemic and for various reasons am not able to go to a bar for a while yet… can anyone share any wisdom on how to make a lovely martini? Different ‘twists’ welcome!

Use a really smooth vodka. Absolut in Vesper martini made me feel like I'd been hit by a train whereas Grey Goose doesn't.

Shake it don't stir it.

Look up a black orchid. It's delicious. I don't like Parma violets but this really good.

I prefer a dry 5:1 martini, sometimes called a Dickens as it’s meant to be what Charles D preferred. 5 parts gin to one part vermouth (e.g. 50ml gin, 10ml vermouth).

Stir with ice (shaking waters it down a bit which you may prefer) and serve in a frozen glass with whatever garnish you like. Cocktail onions are my favourite (which makes it technically a Gibson rather than a martini).

The main thing with martinis is to make it to your personal taste though, which is the perfect excuse to try different recipes. Enjoy experimenting!

This maybe a stupid question, but are martinis literally just neat spirits?

That sounds quite scary.

@moofolk

Ooh some LOVELY suggestions, thanks mumsnetters. I will be trying these!

Put the gin in the freezer