Martini: Perfection in a Glass

Sophisticated, evocative, and delicious, the martini will never go out of style. Appearing in countless movies—Bond and beyond—it’s one of the most popular and well-known cocktails of all time. Making a martini is simplicity personified, the classic recipe requiring just two ingredients (not counting the garnish): gin and vermouth. Author Matt Hranek (who also wrote The Negroni) gives readers insight into the drink’s nineteenth-century-origins, as well as the tools for making 35 simple variations.

Included are the author’s own version, always with gin (never vodka), served ice cold and dry with a twist of lemon (or, on very rare occasions, like when he is hungry, an olive); the Martinez (circa 1849), named for the city of Martinez about 25 miles northeast of San Francisco, where some say this all began; a lime martini, a nod to Hranek’s father, who loved a gin and tonic; and New York City legend Russ & Daughters Cafe’s own martinis, “The Lower East Side” and “The Smoked Martini.” Detailed ingredients, methods (to shake or to stir?), garnish, equipment, glassware are all included in this small and lovely volume. Plus: where to get the best martini worldwide. Beautiful original and archival photography make this an irresistible gift for anyone who loves to enjoy a martini.