I'm fine with drinking 3 oz of premium vodka, shaken with ice and served in a chilled glass with an olive. That's a good way to get the night started. But that's not a true, true martini. The gin martini that Chris prepared in the first half of the video is EXACTLY what a martini is, in my book.
I go the opposite way with the garnishes - olives for a gin martini, lemon twist for vodka. Also, a layer of ice shavings can be nice on a gin martini, too - the cloudiness goes away quickly - shaken or stirred, whatever works for you. Try a "Vesper" with two parts gin, one part vodka, a splash of vermouth, and a tiny bit of quinine powder, with a lemon twist. Made with quality ingredients, the best...
Agreed. It was the same in the book. However, the Vesper makes relatively few appearances in film. The signature line that people will remember will always be "Vodka martini...shaken, not stirred." You're absolutely correct, however, regarding the bartender putting the desire of the customer before all else, and I have always encouraged those in my social circle to treat their service staff well, and tip generously for good service.
yes also note that if you use shaker it must be shaken GENTLY---so that in effect it's the same as stirring. also what I do is freeze the martini glasses in the freezer with a small amount of water at the bottom so that it keep it very cold while drinking it.
Lots of people were drinking martinis during that time. But vodka was coming into fashion, which was influenced heavily by pop culture. Bond was drinking vodka martinis, shaken. That became the in-vogue martini of the time. Since then, with several other cultural influences along the way, vodka has become a hot seller. But prior to that, vodka was not often seen in the cocktail world. Classic cocktail books(pre-Prohibition) will have 10 or so whiskey or gin cocktails for every one using vodka.
@williambrazzers If/when you get to Seattle, come find the Zig Zag - warning, you can't drive past it, it's halfway down a staircase - wait as long as you have to for a seat at the bar, and look over both the drinks list and the Chaptain's List. Then chat up the tender...and the people sitting to either side of you...and note that the liquor behind the bar is stacked three deep with other stuff in back, and the "speed rail" contains over 70 bottles.
@Rereversed I agree that gin and vermouth is a real martini, but an ice cold vodka with an olive is nice sometimes too. The thin layer of ice on top of the vodka martini is crucial, best to keep the vodka in the freezer before making one.
I agree that the gin Martini should be presented in the classic way, stirred, ice cold with a touch of vermouth, 1/2 ounce at the most. Chilled vodka really needs no cocktail presentation and really is best served undiluted, straight from the freezer in a large, chilled shot glass with olives or pickles on the side. This is how vodka is drunk in Russia and it really is the same concept. Ice cold, dry, clear spirit, consumed in one or two gulp in order to produce a nice cold sensation in the stomach. A very civilized pre dinner ritual, preferably accompanied by good conversation and or an intelligent piece of music
Top Bartending. Gin all the way for me, vodka is way too bland to be considerd for top notch drinks. Thats why you get teenagers drinking it in vast quantities just to get drunk because they dont give a shit about taste.
The signature James Bond line has always been "Vodka martini...shaken, not stirred". James Bond was considered to be one of the largest contributing factors to the popularity of the vodka martini, and, as a result, vodka as a spirit. If you look at traditional cocktails from the late 19th and early 20th century, for every one vodka drink, there are five gin or whiskey drinks. While the spirit is just as old, or older, the vodka heyday really began in the 50s, with James Bond leading the way.
I have always used a bit of Vermouth to line the glass when making a vodka martini....the vast majority of my customers tell me that they love them....anyways different strokes :)
As we are reminded by the 2006 Bond film, Casino Royale, James Bond first drank the Vesper martini, which contains both gin AND vodka, shaken. In the end, there is no right or wrong way to make a drink. The customer is king when it comes to how a cocktail is to be made. The bartender should respect the request of the customer, as the customer should respect the skill of the bartender.
@chrismcmillian1 As far as I understand it, vodka martinis were pushed in the 60s through the Bond films by vodka importers, since the spirit wasn't very popular. Vodka, well-shaken with ice, is a great way to bring out the subtle flavor, but it isn't truly a martini.
@weeknightingale Actually, Gin is the way it's supposed to be. Vodka seems to be the most popular in pop culture, binge-drinking, high-school age martini. Vodka is NOT the way it's supposed to be.
No, the point is that when Ian Flemming wrote the James Bond books, vodka was often made cheaply from potatoes, which left a layer of grease on top of the drink. Didn't taste bad, but it didn't look very appetizing either. By shaking the drink, that grease instead got mixed into the rest of the liquid and the cocktail looks a lot better.
I prefer to call them Martini's (Gin) and Vodkatini's (Vodka), that way we don't loose the classic recipe of the Martini and since they taste completely different, to me they are two different drinks. I do enjoy both cocktails however and I like my Vodkatini's with a splash of vermouth and a great vodka. Ice cold always! Cheers!
@williambrazzers Whereas, though I'm not a gin martini fan per se, my preferred bar (Zig Zag Cafe, Seattle) carries loads of good vermouths. But then, Zig Zag has everything.
@C5Rigzz It's not that specific, in fact it's quite varied. Watch this video, for example. He "personally" never puts vermouth in a vodka martini. Is it a cocktail? yes. Is it a martini? also yes. Thanks though...
I understand various levels of dryness. What I don't understand is the demand for "as dry as possible", such as using an atomizer to put just a tiny mist of vermouth into-- is less vermouth better, or is it simply the idea of pushing something to an edge that's appealing? I've even seen bars omit the vermouth altogether, and that is NOT a Martini. But then, you also can't just put any cocktail in this glass and call it a something-tini.
If it's a good bar, the bartender should respect how James Bond (or any customer) likes his drink. There is no wrong way to make a drink, so long as the drinker prefers it in such way.
Obviously the gin martini is the original and a proper cocktail. A mix of ingredients. The vodka martini?? WTF it's just ice cold vodka in a martini glass. That's not a cocktail.
@canseeformiles James Bond didn't invent the cocktail, but rumour has it that Ian Fleming did create it, or took reference from a barman whilst writing his books. And the Vesper 'James Bond' Martini has gin in it as well. It remains a strange taste, and I fully support the gin martini of course!
If you don't like gin, that's fine, but you don't have to call it horse piss. I didn't say there was anything wrong with vodka, it's just not a martini.
@Marcownz747 Thanks for your informative comment on my comment to this video. Did you watch the whole video and listen to the commentary? I think you may have missed something very important here. By-the-way I'm not interested in pop culture, binge drinking, or under age drinking habits. Think out of the 'NOT' box. Please no preaching I'll stop here... or are you a troll? ~my thoughts through my looking-glass~
Of course there are wrong ways to make a drink, don't be ridiculous. But just because it's wrong doesn't mean you shouldn't be able to get it if you ask.
@N1GSMOKEAC1G It only seems that way because there are more and more poor bartenders diluting the populous. Believe me there's still work available for quality bartenders.
would you ask for a jack daniels and cocke without jack daniels and sprite instead of cocke? no a martinit is a cocktail (means its made up of at least 2 ingridients) of gin and vermouth a glass of vodka has neither vermouth or gin in it
I'm fine with drinking 3 oz of premium vodka, shaken with ice and served in a chilled glass with an olive. That's a good way to get the night started.
But that's not a true, true martini. The gin martini that Chris prepared in the first half of the video is EXACTLY what a martini is, in my book.
Chris' gin martini recipe is the one I now follow precisely, and I've never been happier.
Aw man! I only found these now! Love 'em.
Wow! From NO ...Love your show....love your cocktails!
this guy is the boss
Boss af.
For me a Martini has to be made with Gin! Chris you are fabulous. I am learning so much! Bartender extraordinaire!!!
You are a legend amongst men.
I don't know much about martinis but you sure put on a good show. Thanks.
I go the opposite way with the garnishes - olives for a gin martini, lemon twist for vodka. Also, a layer of ice shavings can be nice on a gin martini, too - the cloudiness goes away quickly - shaken or stirred, whatever works for you. Try a "Vesper" with two parts gin, one part vodka, a splash of vermouth, and a tiny bit of quinine powder, with a lemon twist. Made with quality ingredients, the best...
Well I'm sold...gotta get a drink from this guy now.
Agreed. It was the same in the book. However, the Vesper makes relatively few appearances in film. The signature line that people will remember will always be "Vodka martini...shaken, not stirred." You're absolutely correct, however, regarding the bartender putting the desire of the customer before all else, and I have always encouraged those in my social circle to treat their service staff well, and tip generously for good service.
This man could sell me a glass of ice.
This dude is awesome
This guy knows the martini!
yes also note that if you use shaker it must be shaken GENTLY---so that in effect it's the same as stirring. also what I do is freeze the martini glasses in the freezer with a small amount of water at the bottom so that it keep it very cold while drinking it.
My favorite cocktail next to the margarita. Looks really nice, making me thirsty.
what a beautiful pair of martinis
Thanks again for the upload!
Agree with you too. The Vesper made an impression on me, but Bond is mostly seen and known for drinking shaken vodka martinis.
Oh! WOW! Vodka Martini for me please just the way it should be! Thank you again! You are the best!
He's great.
Lots of people were drinking martinis during that time. But vodka was coming into fashion, which was influenced heavily by pop culture. Bond was drinking vodka martinis, shaken. That became the in-vogue martini of the time. Since then, with several other cultural influences along the way, vodka has become a hot seller. But prior to that, vodka was not often seen in the cocktail world. Classic cocktail books(pre-Prohibition) will have 10 or so whiskey or gin cocktails for every one using vodka.
@williambrazzers If/when you get to Seattle, come find the Zig Zag - warning, you can't drive past it, it's halfway down a staircase - wait as long as you have to for a seat at the bar, and look over both the drinks list and the Chaptain's List. Then chat up the tender...and the people sitting to either side of you...and note that the liquor behind the bar is stacked three deep with other stuff in back, and the "speed rail" contains over 70 bottles.
@Rereversed I agree that gin and vermouth is a real martini, but an ice cold vodka with an olive is nice sometimes too. The thin layer of ice on top of the vodka martini is crucial, best to keep the vodka in the freezer before making one.
@aarossell Bond was a vodka *cocktail* drinker. The Martini is a specific gin/vermouth/orange bitters cocktail.
why not ask for a glass of chilled vodka, if that's what you want?
I don't see how straight vodka can be called a martini....
Gas'n'Oil I was thinking the same thing.
Amazing.
"There's nothing revolutionary, only evolutionary"...what a line.
I agree that the gin Martini should be presented in the classic way, stirred, ice cold with a touch of vermouth, 1/2 ounce at the most. Chilled vodka really needs no cocktail presentation and really is best served undiluted, straight from the freezer in a large, chilled shot glass with olives or pickles on the side. This is how vodka is drunk in Russia and it really is the same concept. Ice cold, dry, clear spirit, consumed in one or two gulp in order to produce a nice cold sensation in the stomach. A very civilized pre dinner ritual, preferably accompanied by good conversation and or an intelligent piece of music
Lance what he was saying about the vodka martini is it a sheet of ice, often called skates.
Top Bartending. Gin all the way for me, vodka is way too bland to be considerd for top notch drinks. Thats why you get teenagers drinking it in vast quantities just to get drunk because they dont give a shit about taste.
Thanks my friend
Hi. i have seen on Beefeater's web page that they recommend chilled Gin to prepare martinis, not ice. What is the difference?
The signature James Bond line has always been "Vodka martini...shaken, not stirred". James Bond was considered to be one of the largest contributing factors to the popularity of the vodka martini, and, as a result, vodka as a spirit. If you look at traditional cocktails from the late 19th and early 20th century, for every one vodka drink, there are five gin or whiskey drinks. While the spirit is just as old, or older, the vodka heyday really began in the 50s, with James Bond leading the way.
thanks for the info :)
Does anyone know the the term Chris used when an ice sheet forms on a shaken drink? It sounded like "scathes"?
imagine james bond asking him for a martini : shaken not stirred, get the fuck out of my bar.
That is true man. Martinis during the 50's and 60's were mostly consumed by business execs.
I have always used a bit of Vermouth to line the glass when making a vodka martini....the vast majority of my customers tell me that they love them....anyways different strokes :)
As we are reminded by the 2006 Bond film, Casino Royale, James Bond first drank the Vesper martini, which contains both gin AND vodka, shaken. In the end, there is no right or wrong way to make a drink. The customer is king when it comes to how a cocktail is to be made. The bartender should respect the request of the customer, as the customer should respect the skill of the bartender.
@chrismcmillian1 As far as I understand it, vodka martinis were pushed in the 60s through the Bond films by vodka importers, since the spirit wasn't very popular. Vodka, well-shaken with ice, is a great way to bring out the subtle flavor, but it isn't truly a martini.
@weeknightingale Actually, Gin is the way it's supposed to be. Vodka seems to be the most popular in pop culture, binge-drinking, high-school age martini. Vodka is NOT the way it's supposed to be.
No, the point is that when Ian Flemming wrote the James Bond books, vodka was often made cheaply from potatoes, which left a layer of grease on top of the drink. Didn't taste bad, but it didn't look very appetizing either. By shaking the drink, that grease instead got mixed into the rest of the liquid and the cocktail looks a lot better.
or because he wanted to dilute his drink so he can still think clearly.
I prefer to call them Martini's (Gin) and Vodkatini's (Vodka), that way we don't loose the classic recipe of the Martini and since they taste completely different, to me they are two different drinks. I do enjoy both cocktails however and I like my Vodkatini's with a splash of vermouth and a great vodka. Ice cold always! Cheers!
@williambrazzers Whereas, though I'm not a gin martini fan per se, my preferred bar (Zig Zag Cafe, Seattle) carries loads of good vermouths. But then, Zig Zag has everything.
in the vodka martini, it looked like the only ingredient he used was vodka.. am i incorrect?
I think the early bond from the early movies, like the Connery days, drank gin martinis. I think the latter bonds ordered vodka martinis.
No orange bitters?
is that shaker glass chipped?
@ys1337 Actually, I think he misrepresents Bond, who always asked for a vodka martini. So, they're both right.
He says James Bond was wrong, but Bond drank vodka martinis, which he says should always be shaken. Either way this guy is great.
@C5Rigzz It's not that specific, in fact it's quite varied. Watch this video, for example. He "personally" never puts vermouth in a vodka martini. Is it a cocktail? yes. Is it a martini? also yes. Thanks though...
And maybe it is a stronger drink isn't it? because is it not diluted
What kind of vodka is Chris using here? Also, sweet or dry vermouth in a gin martini?
Kettle One
schneids02 both use dry - sweet vermouth is usually red
schneids02 Sweet vermouth? Really...always dry and don't buy that hideous thing in the odd green bottle, Get Dolin.
Chilling it takes longer.
Wait, what else did he put into the vodka martini besides vodka if he didn't use ice?
He says nothing but vodka and ice in a vodka martini. Ice, gin, and vermouth in the gin martini.
I understand various levels of dryness. What I don't understand is the demand for "as dry as possible", such as using an atomizer to put just a tiny mist of vermouth into-- is less vermouth better, or is it simply the idea of pushing something to an edge that's appealing? I've even seen bars omit the vermouth altogether, and that is NOT a Martini. But then, you also can't just put any cocktail in this glass and call it a something-tini.
Chris is usually great, but this video baffles me. I'd have used way more Vermouth; a 2, 3, or 4 to 1 gin-vermouth ratio is what should be aimed for.
The same temperature will result in the same dilution.
He says in the video that James Bond was wrong, but Bond drank vodka martinis, so they should be shaken then.
If it's a good bar, the bartender should respect how James Bond (or any customer) likes his drink. There is no wrong way to make a drink, so long as the drinker prefers it in such way.
No Vermouth... not a Martini. Vodka Rocks, shaken.
Obviously the gin martini is the original and a proper cocktail. A mix of ingredients. The vodka martini?? WTF it's just ice cold vodka in a martini glass. That's not a cocktail.
@canseeformiles James Bond didn't invent the cocktail, but rumour has it that Ian Fleming did create it, or took reference from a barman whilst writing his books. And the Vesper 'James Bond' Martini has gin in it as well. It remains a strange taste, and I fully support the gin martini of course!
GIN!
If you don't like gin, that's fine, but you don't have to call it horse piss. I didn't say there was anything wrong with vodka, it's just not a martini.
Is it just me, or is the vodka/ martini just vodka on the rocks?
:) too bad he can't have his own tv show on the food network or something
@klugyboy I do four ounces of (Plymouth) gin to one ounce of vermouth.
James Bond always had vodka martinis, though.
I knew this man, actually dated his daughter.
The vodka martini is basically chilled vodka in a nice glass, how can this be called a cocktail???
The preparation. Just like a block of iron isn't a sword until it has been forged and sharpened.
No bitters?? Plus the vodka needs more than booze to be a cocktail.
@Marcownz747 Thanks for your informative comment on my comment to this video. Did you watch the whole video and listen to the commentary? I think you may have missed something very important here. By-the-way I'm not interested in pop culture, binge drinking, or under age drinking habits. Think out of the 'NOT' box. Please no preaching I'll stop here... or are you a troll?
~my thoughts through my looking-glass~
Of course there are wrong ways to make a drink, don't be ridiculous. But just because it's wrong doesn't mean you shouldn't be able to get it if you ask.
@N1GSMOKEAC1G It only seems that way because there are more and more poor bartenders diluting the populous. Believe me there's still work available for quality bartenders.
James bond is always right period.. 😂
Isn't a Vodka Martini without Vermouth just a straigh Vodka? I like it dirty with a splash of Vermouth
I like a good martini but you may not get a good one in some bars. Some bartenders have knowledge and skill, some "bartenders" merely pour drinks.
martini with lemon is called clarita. Made in argentina by "pichin"
would you ask for a jack daniels and cocke without jack daniels and sprite instead of cocke? no
a martinit is a cocktail (means its made up of at least 2 ingridients) of gin and vermouth
a glass of vodka has neither vermouth or gin in it
They call them martinis, I'll agree with that.. But then again, they also sell $2 watches from China and call them Rolexes.
He says James Bond was wrong to order them shaken, but Bond drank vodka martinis, which he shakes...
I think the point is vodka is so boring and tasteless, that if you order a vodka martini, no one gives shit how you want it to be made.
@jhiller21 No he's still wrong. No one should be drinking vodka martinis.
No vermouth? Not a martini
In soviet Russia vodka drinks you!
there is only one true martini and it does not include vodka.
"James Bond was wrong..." THIS fuy f**ks^^^
so eloquent, so well put...douche.
@@gigyoung181 haha thank you so much for input! Cheers!
So a vodka martini is a shot of vodka?
Thats cheap bartending.
his bar isn't level...
this guy is inhuman!
Ewwwww olives 😣