Shaken or Stirred - Martini Cocktail Gift Sets for any Occasion!
The classic Martini is a timeless cocktail that has evolved over time from its humble beginnings to include just about any ingredient - from coffee, to mango, to chilli sauce - the options are endless!
What Is A Martini Cocktail?
A martini cocktail is a classic and iconic drink that has been around since the early 1900s, with its origins tracing back to New York City. The famous martini combines both gin and sweet vermouth, mixed together and served with a twist of lemon or a few dashes of bitters.
In 1907, bartender Jerry Thomas listed the Martini Cocktail ingredients as sweetened gin or vodka, sweetened cherry liquor, and dry vermouth.
Is the Martini a modern cocktail?
The Martini cocktail of today is still made using the same ingredients, but with slight variations to suit individual preferences. The recipe for this world-renowned cocktail has undergone several changes over time with various bartenders adding their own twist to the drink. However, one thing that remains constant is the use of gin or vodka as the base spirit.
Martini - Wet or Dry?
The amount of vermouth used in a Martini Cocktail determines its 'wetness - simply put, a wet Martini uses more vermouth, and a dry Martini cocktail uses less.
As a fortified wine, Vermouth is typically sweet in nature, and therefore a Wet Martini cocktail is slightly weaker when compared to the Dry Martini which has a higher percentage of strong spirit.
Dry Martinis are only for those who can stomach a stiff drink!
Martini - Shaken or Stirred?
There are many subtle differences for Martini Cocktails that are shaken vs stirred, with some of these being:
- Texture - the texture of a Martini Cocktail is the most noticeable difference between a shaken and stirred drink. When a cocktail is shaken, it creates a frothy and airy texture due to the ice being agitated vigorously - for example the white foam top on the Espresso Martini . This foaminess can be desirable for some drinkers, but it also tends to dilute the drink more quickly as the ice melts. Alternatively, stirring a Martini Cocktail creates a smoother and silkier texture due to the ice being gently stirred. This method results in less dilution and a more potent drink.
- Taste - the taste of a Martini Cocktail is greatly affected by whether it is shaken or stirred. When a cocktail is shaken, it tends to be colder and more diluted, which can mask some of the flavours of the ingredients. However, shaking can also help to balance the flavours of a drink and make it more palatable. Stirring, on the other hand, results in a warmer and more concentrated drink, which allows the flavors of the ingredients to shine through. This method is preferred by those who want to savour the complexity of the drink's flavours.
- Aesthetics - the aesthetics of a Martini Cocktail are another aspect affected by whether it is shaken or stirred. A shaken Martini Cocktail tends to be cloudier due to the ice being broken up and the foaminess created during shaking, for example the Pornstar Martini with its opaque orange colouring. This type of drink is typically served in a larger, wider glass to accommodate the volume of the drink. A stirred Martini Cocktail, on the other hand, is crystal clear and has a more refined appearance. This type of drink is usually served in a smaller, stemmed glass to showcase its elegance.
Where did the Martini Cocktail Originate?
The origins of the Martini are unclear, with many stories claiming ownership for the invention of this classic cocktail. One popular theory suggests that the Martini was first created in San Francisco, referencing the nearby town of Martinez. However the most likely reason for the Martini becoming so popular may be traced back to the 1920's during prohibition in the America. The relative ease of home-made gin production during the 13 year alcohol ban led to the rise of the Martini as the predominant cocktail in the USA, later spreading across the globe as a worldwide trend.
The Rise of the Martini Cocktail Gift Set!
The Martini Cocktail saw a decline in popularity in the 1970's and 80's, and was viewed as out-of-date when compared to the fresher cocktails on the scene. However, the Classic Martini Cocktail saw a revival around the turn of the century, fuelled by popular culture and the classic James Bond line - 'Martini, shaken not stirred'.
Fast forward to the present day, the Martini revival as gone from strength to strength, with modern takes such as the Pornstar Martini claiming the #1 spot on cocktail lists around the globe.
Martini Cocktail Gift Set - what to expect
The Martini Cocktail Gift Box Collection from Cocktail Crates includes a vast range of Martini Cocktails of the highest quality, created by experienced mixologists using premium spirits and liquors. The expert bartenders from Cocktail Crates carefully curate each cocktail gift set, to include alcohol, liquors, juices, mixers, and recipes that provide a step-by-step guide to creating your own perfect drink.
Who would enjoy a Martini Cocktail Gift Set?
Martini Cocktail Gift Sets are the perfect present for anyone who loves a good cocktail. With a universal appeal, a Martini Cocktail Gift Set would be perfect for Birthdays, Anniversaries, Baby Showers, Holidays, and even just for a cosy night curled up on the sofa!
What is included in a Martini Cocktail Gift Set?
These gift sets provide a cocktail subscription box that includes everything you need to achieve great drinks right at home. This is a perfect gift for experienced home bartenders and novices alike, as Cocktail Crates do all the hard work in preparing the ingredients and recipes to make the art of mixology easy to master.
Browse the full range of Martini Cocktail Gift Sets
Browse the full range of Martini cocktail gift sets from www.cocktailcrates.co.uk today - all beautifully gift packaged and delivered direct to your door.
Select your favourite Martini from a full range of flavours, including the best selling Pornstar Martini with its creamy texture and passion fruit tones, and the Espresso Martini cocktail which is packed full of vodka, coffee liquor and espresso!