The classic martini.
The martini: cool, classic, elegant, fashionable and delicious. The glistening stemware, olives perched neatly against the rim and the cold, clear blend of gin and vermouth carry an air of neat sophistication that a glass of wine or bottle of beer simply can't match. Your friends and family will think you're a world-class bartender if you pour the perfect martini. Forget those chocolate and pumpkin martinis---they're not the real thing (nor is a vodka martini). A real martini is made from gin and vermouth, plain and simple. Prepare martinis ahead so they're ready when your guests arrive.
Instructions
1. Place gin in the freezer the day before your guests arrive. The gin will not freeze, but will thicken slightly. Place the martini glasses in the freezer, and the shaker in the refrigerator. Put drained olives in a bowl and refrigerate. Have the swivel sticks and vermouth handy for when your guests arrive. Now you've done all the "ahead" preparation; the martinis themselves need to be made fresh.
2. Fill the martini shaker about 1/3 of the way with crushed ice. Pour the ice-cold gin over the ice until the shaker is full. Put the cap on the shaker. Shake the martini mixture for 15 seconds. The shaker will become very cold. Set the shaker down. The ice will melt and blend with the gin.
3. Set up your four frosty martini glasses. Pour 1/2 tsp. of vermouth into each glass. Swirl each glass so that the vermouth coats the sides. Don't use too much vermouth---it has a strong flavor and will compete with the flavors of the gin.
4. Place two olives on each swivel stick and put the sticks into each glass. The olives should be near the bottom of the stick so that they become submerged in the gin.
5. Pour the gin from the shaker in the four glasses. Pour the gin slowly to avoid splashing. If you pour the gin properly, little ice specs should float in the liquid. Serve promptly.
Tags: your guests arrive, each glass, guests arrive, your guests, glasses Pour, into each