Name: Perfect Martini
Total time: 3 min
Cuisine: Cocktail
Ingredients: 45 ml Gin; 22.5 ml Dry vermouth; 22.5 ml Rosso/sweet vermouth; 1 dash Orange bitters

John Taylor 1y

I made a slight tweak to the recipe as I didn't have orange bitters so decided to add a little Luxardo Aperitivo instead (I thought this closer than the Australian Bitters alternative I had).
I made a mistake and went for my usual stuffed olives garnish, so removed and added orange zest instead - it didn't seem to suffer too much!...
I will be trying the same cocktail using blanco vermouth which ought to look more like your typical martini.

John Taylor 1y

Hmm - it seems blanco is sweeter than rosso so 2:1:1 Gin:Dry:Blanco is still pretty sweet so the Three Two One Martini looks to be a better option. Still tasty, just not "perfect"...

Peter Shaw Premium Member 3y

The Queen's cocktail is also 1/2, 1/4, 1/4 but has crushed pineapple (in The Savoy Cocktail book). But I must say that equal parts goes down quite easily as well!

John Hinojos Premium Member 4y

Knowing the era this would have been developed, it is exactly what I was expecting. Sherry and Vermouth were still considered the main aperitif. It is a blending of the American and British that Craddock provided a cocktail that blended both styles.

James R 5y

While I think it tastes very nice, and really shows off the vermouth.. the gin seems a bit reduced and the botanicals get a bit lost in there. For my preference I'd amp up the gin or tone down the vermouths, just enough to let more of the gin bite to come through.

Jeremy Harrold 5y

Simply excellent.

Peter Shaw Premium Member 5y

My (mini) version:
30ml Copperwave (Hunter Valley) Gin (I keep mine in the freezer - adds a great texture to the martini)
15ml Regal Rogue Bold Red (which is quite a dry vermouth)
15ml Dolin Blanc vermouth (a bit sweeter, to balance the Bold Red)
Slips down a treat...

Fiona McLeod 5y

Well that was interesting. I completely agree about the Sherry feel. It was a lovely drink for a perfect drink for an imperfect day

Mark Noble 5y

Whilst I am a HUGE fan of filthy/dry/vodka martinis and lately gibsons, sometimes, I fancy something a tad sweeter and less like rocket fuel ...and this fits the bill perfectly plus it´s a doddle to make. Thank you Mr Difford.

Rithwik Hari 5y

Big +1 to this! The "sherry-like" description is fitting. A nice take on a martini to mix it up for someone like me who usually prefers them nice and dry.

Simon Difford Verified User Premium Member 5y

Thanks to the comments on this page, I have just revisited the Perfect Martini, and as you say, it's a tad sweeter and easier. And delicious. Thank you!