Challenge Accepted

Don Draper Never Impressed Me

Lemon twist, please.

I was never one for a Martini.  The Martini conjured images of Mad Men, country clubs and repressed emotions.  Ok, ok - I judged the Martini before I really even gave it a chance but Rind's article gave me pause and made me realize I should give it another try (did I really give it a first try?).  I see you Rind and I accept your challenge in figuring out how I like my Martini. I hope to make Grandma Clare proud.

First stop, Gin

Too strong, too sweet and just right.

I'll admit it, I only kinda like gin.  In my heart of hearts I feel more connected to a bourbon or a whisky. I love sweet vermouths and amari (that's why I'm Bitter). Gin matters to me in my Negroni and Martinez but past that I don't give much more thought to it. I realized this was going to have to change. I did a little Goldilocks experiment with the three gins I had at home; Anchor Distilling Co. Junipero Gin (one of my favs in a Negroni), Tanqueray Old Tom Gin, and New Columbia Distillers Green Hat Gin. Without getting into too many specifics - Old Tom was too sweet.  Junipero Gin was a little too aggressive for for my taste buds in a Martini. Green Hat was just right, also the one with the lowest proof.

Vermouths and Garnishes

Next stop was wondering how much dry vermouth would I like and olives or a lemon twist for garnish. I realized I was no Churchill - I like a wet Martini. Also, with a drier gin I like it with olives but with the Green Hat I preferred a lemon twist and a bowl of olives next to me to snack on.

Bitter's Way

2 oz. New Columbia Distillers Green Hat Gin

3/4 oz Dolin Dry Vermouth

Garnish - Lemon twist

Stir all ingredients over ice, then strain into a coupe or martini glass.  Garnish with the lemon twist. 

Side note - after my little Goldilocks experiment I feel like Dorothy Parker's quote is accurate and they most definitely are "Truthmakers".  

By Nicola