Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Gin Mortini?

Had dinner at Morton's in Anaheim a few nights ago and enjoyed a Gin Mortini. You can probably figure out that a Mortini is Morton's version of a martini. But is there really anything special about the drink to earn the Mortini moniker rather than just the simple "martini"?

You can see on Morton's website that there is a lot of preparation involved in creating some of their more foo foo Mortinis. But what is so special about a Gin Mortini?

My standard gin martini is made with Tanqueray gin, a splash of Vermouth, a dash of Angostura bitters and 3 olives. Why Vermouth? Read more about it here. Why Angostura bitters? Check this out.

Apparently, many people love the same martini. Frank Sinatra loved it. Some call it a Golf Martini. Some call it the Classic Martini.

My version is a bit different. I use 3 olives...

And Morton's twist is to use olives stuffed with bleu cheese. I tried it. Nothing to rave about. It was good.

Here's my recipe:

Use a fine quality standard martini glass. 5 oz. is too small, so use a 7 oz. or larger.
Tanqueray London Dry Gin
Martini & Rossi Extra Dry Vermouth
Angostura Bitters
Slivered ice
3 Olives

  • Add the slivered ice to
  • Use a jigger shot glass (1.5 oz.) to measure a sufficient amount of Gin into a martini shaker depending upon the size of your glass. When I use a glass for the first time, I pour the shots in to the glass and dump the contents into the shaker in order to arrive at the correct count. There is no significant amount of other liquid to be added to the martini so fill it up!
  • If you need to clean your glass after using it to measure your gin, do that now.
  • Chill your glass by filling it with ice and add water.
  • Once the glass is chilled, dump the water and ice.
  • Pour a splash of Vermouth into the glass. Use enough so you can swirl the glass and coat the entire inside of the glass with Vermouth. Pour out any excess.
  • Now, shake your gin. It's best to hold it with one hand and shake it over your shoulder so you'll look like a real bartender.
  • Skewer 3 olives on a toothpick. Standard toothpicks are not long enough to handle 3 large olives so plan ahead or you'll end up with only 2 olives in your drink.
  • Drop the olives into the glass and strain the contents of the shaker into the glass.
  • No need for a garnish.
  • Enjoy.
If you order this in a bar or restaurant, you'll need to request the Vermouth as many bartenders today will not use Vermouth. (See article above.) You'll also need to request 3 olives as most bartenders will only give you two. Depending upon the size of the glass used, you might need to ask for the olives on the side. Look around at other tables and down the bar before ordering. Some bars and restaurants use 5 oz. glasses. Horrendous! Three large olives in a glass will really cut down on the amount of gin you are able to enjoy.

I may try a few martinis at home with the bleu cheese stuffed olives. I have always liked them for snacking...

More on Frank, the Rat Pack and Dale's Martini in the next installment.

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Contrasts

I haven't posted in awhile and only twice since I created this blog about 9 months ago. It's probably because I haven't had too many cigars or gin since then. Too busy workin' and learnin'. My last post was about politics and what does that have to do with gin and cigars? I'm floundering.

So, until I feel the inspiration again, visit here: Dale Gets Healthy. Quiet a contrast, eh?
 
Cheers

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Driven to drink?

What could possible drive me to drink? 

Four years of tax & spend?

We'll see what happens. 

I can't help but be ashamed of the previous administration's lack of oversight. You're given the power to make things happen... you're given the power to prevent things from happening... and what do you do? Sit on your hands. If this was some political strategy, it seriously backfired. 

Time to regroup.

And it's time for the Dems to get over it. Today was a momentous day. I can't say I understand the oppression suffered and can't fathom the impact of this inauguration because I haven't walked in the shoes of those who are celebrating. Now, let's move on.

I'm certainly happy that the liberals are proud of our country now. I've always been proud and I am still proud even though my candidate didn't win the election. American can survive the presidents we don't like, it cannot survive the outrageous behavior of those who have no civility. Can you believe the crowd was mocking the President as he walked to his seat. No I'm not talking about President-Elect (at that time) Obama (people were probably laying palms at his feet because he's the savior, right?). No, I'm talking about then-President George W. Bush. Some people just need to shut up. 

Now I need a drink but it's only 2pm. Well, I'll dream of a Tanqueray Martini, straight up, shaken, splash of Vermouth and 3 olives. Let's hope the new President is a drinking man and doesn't push for legislation that would affect this truly American past time. We know he's a smoker and he's kowtowing to the health-care advocates as I write this. Don't get me wrong.... cigarettes as disgusting but our liberties are more important. What good is having wonderful health if you have no freedom. 

Smoke 'em if ya got 'em
The Gin Doctor!

Thursday, April 17, 2008

Welcome

Welcome to Cigars and Gin dot com. My love of cigars and gin have prompted me to learn more about both and share my new found knowledge with others. In the coming weeks I'll be researching the fine art of gin cocktails and the wonderful world of cigars. Who knows... a podcast may be forthcoming...

- The Gin Doctor