BOTTOMS UP!
HOW TO
Build a martini bar
The martini is not just a cocktail; it signifies an entire movement within the drinking community. This “king” of all cocktails marvels in its simplicity and sexy image. The basic martini, made with gin, vermouth, stirred and served very chilled with an olive has become the catalyst from which countless varieties have evolved ranging from “perfect” to “dirty.” Not to mention the endless “martini” recipes from classic to modern varieties with some trends sharing only the type of glass that is used. Back in the day of style and sophistication, party hosts would prepare a big glass martini pitcher for their guests. Use these basic steps to build your own martini bar and have fun finding a new favorite in an old classic. Pandora some Sinatra and get ready for a glamorous evening.
What you’ll need: • • • • • •
Base spirits including gin, vodka, and soju Vermouth along with bitters, Cointreau, and sake (optional) Plenty of martini glasses, pre-chilled or displayed on ice Stainless Steel shakers, strainers, jiggers Martini pitchers with stir rods Toothpicks, cocktail skewers and napkins, mini mister.
2 3 1 Arrange your martini bar with glasses, ice for chilling, shakers, jiggers, bitters and vermouth. Your bar can be “buffet style” to allow people to build their martini as they move down the bar. Place a bottle of dry vermouth on the bar and also fill a mini-mister with the spirit to allow your guests to choose how dry their martini will be prepared.
Fill martini pitchers with chilled base spirits. Use quality ingredients for better tasting martinis.
• Soju makes a great base spirit and is lower in alcohol and sugar. So you can drink more and with less guilt. Sake can also be used as a substitute for vermouth, which is too overpowering for some martini lovers.
16
CHILLED MAGAZINE
• Bitters were used in all the gin joints in all the world to bring a pleasant citrusy flavor to martinis. Try Regans’ Orange Bitters No. 6. For sweeter martinis, Cointreau can be added to the cocktail. Also, offer Rose’s Lime Juice, olive juice and Lillet.
Check out the Perfect Martini Mister for a spritz of vermouth. homewetbar.com
The last section of your martini buffet should be the garnishing area. Present an array of all types of fresh ingredients including everything from okra to the traditional olives. The more options, the more fun. • Get creative with your garnishing options. Try jalapeno peppers, pickles, limes, oranges, cherries, pomegranate, pearl onions, stuffed olives, cucumbers, hard candies, cinnamon sticks, grated chocolate, vanilla beans, edible flowers, ginger, herbs like rosemary, cilantro, basil and mint. Don’t forget the flavored sugars for rimming the martini glass.
