Name:	MrHodja -	Reply
Subject:	MM, Some Advice
Date:	2/2/2016 8:25:49 PM

i am a dedicated gin martini lover, extra dry, no extra dirt, and swirled to not bruise the gin.

The other day in a weak moment I bought a bottle of Ketel One vodka.  How might one turn that into a decent "martini"?

Name:	MartiniMan -	Reply
Subject:	MM, Some Advice
Date:	2/3/2016 8:24:34 AM (updated 2/3/2016 8:25:57 AM)

As much as I hate to say this, there is no way to get that to match a real martini.  When I have a vodka martini, heresy I know, I always ask for Kettle One.  Make sure its super cold and maybe try a splash of vermouth and see if that helps.  I shake mine and add the olives afterward.  BTW, I like my martini's the same way you do.  Otherwise vodka's also very good with cranberry juice.  

Name:	MrHodja -	Reply
Subject:	MM, Some Advice
Date:	2/3/2016 10:51:42 AM

Tried some over a couple cubes of ice with a splash of freshly squeezed lime juice and it wasn't bad.  Will throw it in the freezer and see what that does.  With regard to vermouth, as long as there is a bottle of it somewhere in the county, but not in my house, I am good.

Name:	MartiniMan -	Reply
Subject:	MM, Some Advice
Date:	2/3/2016 10:54:58 AM

I hear you on the vermouth.  I tend to take my vodka martini straight up and as cold as possible. We keep our Kettle One in the freezer which helps.  Shake it vigorously with ice, pour and add olives.  All to make it more palatable but still not a true martini.

Name:	Talullahhound -	Reply
Subject:	Okay, I'm curious
Date:	2/3/2016 3:42:41 PM

If you are drinking straight chilled vodka over ice  how is that a Martini?  Do the olives make it a Martini?

Yes by all means put the vodka in the freezer, it's great that way.

For years I only drank Vodka Martinis, due to an unfortunate encounter with gin in my younger days.  Couldn't even abide the smell.  I just recently have gone back to gin.   I've tried a lot of good vodkas,  but I find I always to back to Absolut. 

Name:	MartiniMan -	Reply
Subject:	Okay, I'm curious
Date:	2/3/2016 3:49:56 PM

Ah yes, you are completely correct.  For the purists the term "vodka martini" is an abomination.  Unfortunately it is part of the lexicon so I have given up.  So here is what makes it a martini, straight alcohol shaken or stirred and placed in a martini glass and you add olives.  I suppose the vermouth adds a dash of credibility to the martini claim but it is tenuous at best and I don't do it.

Name:	MrHodja -	Reply
Subject:	Okay, I'm curious
Date:	2/3/2016 4:09:24 PM

My favorite "martini" gin is Beefeater, swirled with ice, and strained into the glass along with two or three olives...no extra dirt, just the flavor of the olives.

when drinking Tanqueray it is on the rocks with a splash of fresh lime juice.

Nothing touches my Bombay Sapphire except ice.  :-)

Name:	MartiniMan -	Reply
Subject:	Okay, I'm curious
Date:	2/3/2016 4:52:03 PM

I cannot understand the appeal of dirty martini's.  The olive juice overpowers everything else and ruins it for me.  I just want my fruit bathing in gin or vodka so I get a hint of flavor.  Dirty ones look nasty too.  I see a future martini event on the Lido deck.  Hound is going to be buying me an expensive dinner when Hillary grabs all those women votes or I will be paying if Hillary tanks.  I would prefer to pay in this case.

Name:	Talullahhound -	Reply
Subject:	Okay, I'm curious
Date:	2/3/2016 5:30:21 PM

MM, I am with you on the dirty martinis, as well as all those other things they "tini" that have nothing to do with the classic cocktail. 

Sometimes it is so hard to get a very dry martini, I guess because of all that other crap that people order.  I don't mind the mere suggestion  of vermouth- sort of like someone waving the bottle  in the vicinity of the glass.  And I like good olives - none of those cheap ones and it makes me very happy if there are 3. 

Name:	MrHodja -	Reply
Subject:	Well, I'll Be Switched
Date:	2/3/2016 8:27:52 PM

Two very different folks from Jersey and a hick from Arkansas in violent agreement!!  Mark this one on your calendar, lol!

Name:	Talullahhound -	Reply
Subject:	Well, I'll Be Switched
Date:	2/3/2016 8:45:02 PM

We are around the same age.... and a good cocktail is a good cocktail, no matter where you are from. 

Name:	MartiniMan -	Reply
Subject:	Well, I'll Be Switched
Date:	2/3/2016 9:04:47 PM

Well I grew up in Pittsburgh but I will say that a good martini does not know race, gender, sexual orientation, political leanings or class.  It is one issue on which all can agree with the three of us or be wrong. There is no other option.  ??

Name:	MrHodja -	Reply
Subject:	Well, I'll Be Switched
Date:	2/3/2016 11:00:30 PM

Apologies about your roots....to us Arkies transplanted to Alabama anything north of Nashville is Yankee territory...lol

Definitely agree about the good martini...