The martini is simultaneously one of the easiest and most well know vodka cocktails. It is immortalized in popular culture as the preferred drink of James Bond who's impact singlehandedly changed martini cocktails from a gin base to vodka. Despite the fact that it is generally a pretty easy drink to make, there are some tips that you must follow if you want to create the absolutely perfect martini. Here's what Bob Nolet, Master Distiller at Nolet Spirits, producers of Ketel One Vodka.
Ketel One Vodka is produced in the Netherlands with a heritage going back to 1691 and the family opened their first distillery in the United States in 1902 as Imperial Eagle Vodka. Today, Ketel One is distilled from 100% wheat in copper pot stills and then filtered over loose charcoal then allowed to rest in tile-lined tanks until ready to bottle.
So, if there is anyone that knows how to make the perfect vodka martini, then it is a guy who's family has nearly 400 years of experience making some of the world's best vodka.
Martini Tips from Bob Nolet of Ketel One Vodka
- The best martini is one that a skilled bartender makes you. It starts with a quality vodka, which to me means a base spirit that is crisp instead of sharp or overpowering. It stands on its own in flavor, with only a splash of dry vermouth.
- Stirred which yields proper dilution and temperature key ingredients for a good martini. If you’ve got a properly diluted martini, you should never need ice, which is why it’s best served up, and in a chilled martini glass. A lemon twist to garnish is my preferred final touch, adding a delightful pop of citrus aroma.
Additional tips and tricks for creating the perfect martini:
- Make sure your glass is chilled
- Serve your martini in a small glass, it will help keep things cold longer. Bigger glasses tend to get warm quicker
- When stirring – don’t use crushed ice, use solid ice cubes instead. The more solid the ice the less dilution, plus the spirit will get colder quicker
- Vermouth oxidizes, so a fresh bottle really is the sign of a pro. A fresh bottle means fresh flavors. Always store your vermouth in the fridge
Here’s the recipe for the perfect martini too in case you need!
The Ketel One Perfect Martini
Ingredients:
- 1.25 oz. ® Vodka
- 0.25 oz. dry vermouth
- Lemon twist
Method:
- Stir vodka with ice in a mixing glass
- Strain into a martini glass
- Garnish with a lemon twist
