Technique
Stirring gently chills and dilutes a cocktail without introducing air bubbles, preserving clarity and creating a silky mouthfeel.
Tutorial
- Add 2 oz gin and ½ oz dry vermouth to a mixing glass
- Fill the mixing glass ¾ full with clear, hard ice cubes
- Insert a bar spoon along the edge of the glass
- Using your fingers, gently rotate the spoon in a fluid circular motion, being careful not to "stab" at the ice
- Continue stirring smoothly for 30-45 seconds until the glass feels properly chilled
- A properly stirred Martini needs approximately 25-30% dilution to achieve balance
- Strain through a julep strainer into a chilled martini glass
- Express a lemon peel over the surface and either discard or add as garnish
