Shake it Up - Martinis 101

No one knows for sure where the martini originated, although legend has it that this divine drink comes from the popular Italian vermouth brand Martini & Ross. Back in the day, the classic martini was made from two ounces of gin and a splash of dry vermouth. Although martinis were traditionally made with gin, current variations are typically made with vodka and along with a variety of other liquors.

The most common way to create a traditional martini is using the shaker method. To serve it 'up,' or chilled and without ice, place a good amount of ice along with vodka, gin and other ingredients equaling up to 4 oz worth of liquid into a shaker and shake vigorously. The key is to give it really good shake so that the liquor mixes and the ice crystals are suspended to chill the drink. Some people prefer their martini with ice, or "on the rocks," in which you'd want to put a little crushed ice in the glass as well.

Before pouring the mix into the glass swirl a splash of vermouth around the inside. Some people prefer less vermouth, which is what creates a "dry" martini, and eases the stiffness of the straight alcohol. If you want to achieve this taste, just coat inside of the glass with a bit of the vermouth and then pour it out. For a "dirty" martini, add olive juice. People who enjoy saltier foods typically like their martini extra dirty, and may even add a speared olive or two. A twist of lemon peel may also be squeezed over, and then added, to the beverage to release citric oils for a refreshing flavor.

In restaurants and bars all over the world, using combinations of liquors, fruit juice, vegetable juice, and cream creates an endless number of specialty variations of the martini. Some are stiffer versions of already existing cocktails, such as the Bloody Mary, whereas others are bartenders' custom creations. Two popular dessert martinis these days are the Cosmopolitan, which contains cranberry juice and was made popular by the TV show "Sex on the City," and the Chocolate Martini, which contains cocoa-flavored liquor and syrup.

Martinis usually run between $6-8 at a restaurant or bar, which is not surprising considering this cocktail contains so much more alcohol than the average mixed drink. If you're feeling adventurous you can always follow the basic steps above and add in your own ingredients.

Source: David Campbell is owner of The Martini Bar located in Columbia, MO. The Martini Bar offers over 50 versions of the martini.