Post #187959 by foamy on Wed, Sep 21, 2005 12:47 PM

A martini. My favorite cocktail. Beefeater, Bombay (regular) or Boodles will do nicely. The brand of vermouth is not terribly important to me as I don't use a lot—maybe a third of the bottle cap. I rinse my olives (2) 'cause I like a clean tasting drink. And, I don't like those big, hard olives. In fact, I rarely eat them anymore but a martini isn't a martini without some color in the glass. It's a proper thing to do. I'll buy ice or use filtered water to make the ice cubes. I prefer a classic shaped glass with the thinest lip I can find. Shaken please, as it "bruises" the gin to make it a bit more aromatic. Dark liquors should be stirred (as in a Manhatten) I'm told and I quess it makes sense, certainly looks better in the glass. Speaking of glasses, I'll buy'em anytime I see suitable ones at yard sales because the attrition rate on Martini glasses is high. I've learned not to spend too much on one. Or worse yet, begin to really like a particular glass. Ya just get your heart broken along with the glass. Someone earlier mentioned that they make them by the pitcher as they were meant to be shared, preferably with a lady. I couldn't agree more.

Winter will be along soon. I see Manhattens in my future.