Reply #4: How to make the Algonquin Martini: [View All]

[Tandalayo_Scheisskopf]

Good Gin(your choice)

Good White Vermouth(your Choice)

Good Ice(We used spring water, from the area, for the martini ice)

Pastis.

Make the Martini in whatever manner you find suitable. Pour 1/4 inch of Pastis into a shot glass. Using a bar pipette or drink stirring straw, draw up 1/4 inch of Pastis by sticking implement into pastis and putting finger over hole on the end. Place implement into the glass holding Martini and remove finger. Stir.

The Pastis acts as something of a "flavor bridge" for the aromatics in the gin and the vermouth. I also have found that Ouzo also works quite well, indeed, for this duty.

When I bartended, I had a group of older and committed martini fans who were return customers and good tippers, thanks to this recipe.