There are few cocktails in the world that invoke the image of style and refinement as the traditional Gin Martini. This is with out a doubt mainly due to the legendary figures of the 20th century that enjoyed this drink such as Winston Churchill, Scott Fitzgerald, Ernest Hemingway, Franklin Roosevelt and Richard Nixon.

Making the perfect Martini
Ask five different Martini connoisseurs on how you should make the perfect Martini and you are likely to get five differing opinions on the exact ingredient ratios and the technique making it that should be used.

Fictional secret service agent James Bond always requested his Martini to be “shaken, not stirred”. Believe it or not though many people believe the shaking of Gin is a faux pas as the shaking action bruises the gin. One purpose behind shaking is to make a colder drink though as the spirits spend more time in contact with the ice.

One golden rule you should always use when it comes to making a great Martini is paying attention to the quality of the ingredients used. There is only three ingredients involved in this cocktail so there is no point trying to make a good Martini with below average Gin, every one of the three ingredients needs to be of the highest quality you can possibly find.

Storing your Ingredients
Ideally both your Gin (the ethanol content is high enough to stop it freezing) and your Shaker should live in the freezer on a permanent basis to keep them super chilled and ready for action. The bottle of Vermouth should be kept constantly chilled in the fridge along with your garnish.

Ingredients

• 100mL of good quality Gin (Tanqueray, Bombay Sapphire or better)
• 25mL of Dry Vermouth (Cinzano or Noilly Prat if your can find it)
• 1 Olive or some Lemon zest for garnish
• Plenty of ice

The Method

• Take your cocktail shaker and fill with a healthy handful of ice and then add your vermouth.
• Give the vermouth a swirl in the shaker then strain the excess liquid into the sink.
• Add your Gin and stir gently for around a minut (you want to superchill the Gin but not bruise it).
• Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
• Garnish with either your olive or lemon zest.

Some like it dirty
A variation on the standard Gin Martini formula is called a “Dirty Martini”, in which a small amount of brine from the olive jar is added to the drink. This gives the cocktail a slightly cloudy appearance and aficionados of the dirty Martini believe the added saltiness and olive flavour from the brine adds the perfect amount of contrast to the freshness of the Gin.

Out and about
If you are in the city and have a craving for a great Martini I highly recommend Ventuno at Walsh bay. Every time I have been there the bar tender has made me the perfect Martini without fail.

Originally launched in 1978 to the Australian market, Midori has since grown to become a liqueur no cocktail cabinet is complete without. Created from melon puree, Midori exhibits distinctive melon and tropical fruit flavours that are not overpowering, making it a versatile mixer.
A bottle costs around $30 in Sydney bottle shops so if you don’t have a bottle at home already why not pick one up and try some of these great tasting mixed drinks for yourself.

Caribbean Sunset

Summer is just around the corner and this is one of those mixed drinks which are simply unbeatable during the hotter weather.

Ingredients

• 30mL Midori
• 30mL White rum
• 90mL Ruby red grapefruit juice

Build over ice in a tall glass and serve.

Love Junk

This drink took out 1st prize at the Sydney Cocktail Championship in 1991 and afterwards experienced a loyal following through the rest of the 1990′s.

Ingredients

• 30mL Midori
• 30mL Peach schnapps
• Apple juice

Pour the ingredients into a glass over ice, and gently stir and then garnish with a slice of apple.

Japanese Slipper

Despite its name this drink is an all Australian creation, and was invented in 1984 by Jean-Paul Bourguignon at Mietta’s Restaurant in Melbourne. It is very easy to make and the citrus bite works wonders with the smooth Midori flavour!

Ingredients

• 6 Ice cubes crushed
• 30mL Midori
• 30mL Cointreau
• 15mL Fresh lemon Juice (Can be substituted for lime juice if preferred)
• 1 Maraschino Cherry

Place the cherry, into a chilled Martini style glass. Put the ice into a cocktail shaker, then add the other ingredients, shake well and strain into the glass before serving.

Midori Illusion

Think back to the early years of this decade, these were all the rage at night clubs, they cost around $7 and the bar person gave it to you in a plastic shaker to drink. Those carefree days may be gone, but that doesn’t mean you can’t relive your misspent youth, right in the comfort of your own home.

Ingredients

• 60mL Midori
• 15mL Cointreau
• 15mL Vodka
• 60mL Pineapple juice
• 30mL Lemon juice
• Ice

Add all the ingredients into a cocktail shaker, shake well then strain into shot glasses.

For more recipes and information on what is happening in the world of Midori this summer be sure to check out the Adore Midori website.

July 30th Golf Day: This may fall on a weekday, but if you love your golf this is a rare opportunity to play the Manly course not to be missed! The fun kicks off at 10am on the green, and is followed by a cocktail reception at 5pm. Tickets are $185 per person for the full day or $75 per person for just the cocktail reception, check out the site for the full details.

August 15th Benefit: A fashion parade and cocktail evening at the International College of Management Sydney in Manly. This black tie evening should be great with fashion, entertainment and silent auctions! Tickets are $75 per person, bookings can be made along with the full details of the event over at the Audrey’s Wish site.

Donations can also be made at the Audrey’s Wish website, for those that can’t make the events but would like to show their support for this well loved Manly family.