New Orleans best cocktails: The Martini

[aarossell]

James Bond was a vodka martini drinker.... so he was right.

[C5Rigzz]

@aarossell Bond was a vodka *cocktail* drinker. The Martini is a specific gin/vermouth/orange bitters cocktail.

[aarossell]

@C5Rigzz wiki.answers.com/Q/What_is_Jam­es_Bond's_favorite_drink

[aarossell]

@C5Rigzz It's not that specific, in fact it's quite varied. Watch this video, for example. He "personally" never puts vermouth in a vodka martini. Is it a cocktail? yes. Is it a martini? also yes. Thanks though...

[ys1337]

imagine james bond asking him for a martini : shaken not stirred, get the fuck out of my bar.

[apoxygraph]

@ys1337 Actually, I think he misrepresents Bond, who always asked for a vodka martini. So, they're both right.



[JabrognaJones]

Absolutely classic. Keep it up Chris!

[rhinonose]

man does he have it right. i don't even order em at bars because nobody else knows what the hell they're doing.

[terratrema]

I'm fine with drinking 3 oz of premium vodka, shaken with ice and served in a chilled glass with an olive. That's a good way to get the night started.

But that's not a true, true martini. The gin martini that Chris prepared in the first half of the video is EXACTLY what a martini is, in my book.

[JonasClark]

I understand various levels of dryness. What I don't understand is the demand for "as dry as possible", such as using an atomizer to put just a tiny mist of vermouth into-- is less vermouth better, or is it simply the idea of pushing something to an edge that's appealing? I've even seen bars omit the vermouth altogether, and that is NOT a Martini. But then, you also can't just put any cocktail in this glass and call it a something-tini.

[williambrazzers]

@JonasClark I couldn't agree more. What's even worse is that due to ppl thinking that going as dry as possible is the way to go, it means that bars and restaurants may not even fresh vermouth on stock making your drink suggestion VOID.

Some new places are starting to pop up though that are resurrecting the value of vermouth, oh thank heavens for seven eleven.

[JonasClark]

@williambrazzers Whereas, though I'm not a gin martini fan per se, my preferred bar (Zig Zag Cafe, Seattle) carries loads of good vermouths. But then, Zig Zag has everything.

[williambrazzers]

@JonasClark I've heard really good things about the Seattle bar scene. I think I would have a really time out there. I'm going to San Francisco soon, which I've also heard is on top of its game when it comes to cocktails.

[JonasClark]

@williambrazzers If/when you get to Seattle, come find the Zig Zag - warning, you can't drive past it, it's halfway down a staircase - wait as long as you have to for a seat at the bar, and look over both the drinks list and the Chaptain's List. Then chat up the tender...and the people sitting to either side of you...and note that the liquor behind the bar is stacked three deep with other stuff in back, and the "speed rail" contains over 70 bottles.

[williambrazzers]

@JonasClark Will do. Other places I'd like to check out are: Smith, Naga & Mistral Kitchen.

[Arexor]

A lot of people quarrel about using vodka or gin as spirits, olive or lemon for garnish, how much vermouth etc. This is because the Martini probably is the most optional cocktail in the world and some prefer it different than others. Deal with it. Personally I like it with gin, with both olive and lemon twist for garnish and as dry as possible. It doesn't mean that I hate people using vodka :)

[weeknightingale]

Oh! WOW! Vodka Martini for me please just the way it should be! Thank you again! You are the best!

[Marcownz747]

@weeknightingale Actually, Gin is the way it's supposed to be. Vodka seems to be the most popular in pop culture, binge-drinking, high-school age martini. Vodka is NOT the way it's supposed to be.

[weeknightingale]

@Marcownz747 Thanks for your informative comment on my comment to this video. Did you watch the whole video and listen to the commentary? I think you may have missed something very important here. By-the-way I'm not interested in pop culture, binge drinking, or under age drinking habits. Think out of the 'NOT' box. Please no preaching I'll stop here... or are you a troll?

~my thoughts through my looking-glass~

[Photo314159]

I prefer to call them Martini's (Gin) and Vodkatini's (Vodka), that way we don't loose the classic recipe of the Martini and since they taste completely different, to me they are two different drinks. I do enjoy both cocktails however and I like my Vodkatini's with a splash of vermouth and a great vodka. Ice cold always! Cheers!

[QuantikMusic]

You are a legend amongst men.

[grimreaper65]

I like my martinis really wet... 1/3 vermouth 2/3 gin and with a lemon peel.

[fattirevsbud]

Isn't a Vodka Martini without Vermouth just a straigh Vodka? I like it dirty with a splash of Vermouth

[marredsun]

So...A martini and a vodka up. Not two martinis. The distinction isn't pedantry, I don't think—it's necessary to ensure the history of the martini (and the way the drink is viewed and drunk) isn't cheapened or changed or lost.

[tomboz777]

Top Bartending. Gin all the way for me, vodka is way too bland to be considerd for top notch drinks. Thats why you get teenagers drinking it in vast quantities just to get drunk because they dont give a shit about taste.

[seanint63]

When someone orders a martini, i ask; gin or vodka, regular, dry or very dry, olive or twist or dirty. Very dry = no vermouth, dry= mist inside of glass with vermouth atomizer, shaken or stirred

[Rereversed]

This man could sell me a glass of ice.

[N1GSMOKEAC1G]

Chris McMillan is an artist, and a representative of a dying breed. Sadly there are fewer and fewer bartenders these days that approach their craft with as much knowledge, reverence and precise skill as this man. I raise my gin-filled glass to you, sir.

[aarossell]

@N1GSMOKEAC1G It only seems that way because there are more and more poor bartenders diluting the populous. Believe me there's still work available for quality bartenders.

[retrohippie]

No offense to vodka distillers, but gin is vodka with flavor. Why choose flavorless when you have the choice of flavor?

[TheCmcc11]

i love your series- with all of the history. great work!

[bucs820]

You want ice thats..... ice cold!

[Bulldog22031]

These videos are the ONLY videos anyone needs to watch on how to make these cocktails. Perfection.

[lcspies]

No orange bitters?

[localfuckingized]

his bar isn't  level...

[YearraeY]

The Uh, Vodka, Uh, Martini, Uh.......:D

without the UH, this man wouldn't be himself, a classic UH from a classic man.

[YearraeY]

i'd drink any shit from the hands of this bartender. he's ace.

[sociodoc]

I go the opposite way with the garnishes - olives for a gin martini, lemon twist for vodka. Also, a layer of ice shavings can be nice on a gin martini, too - the cloudiness goes away quickly - shaken or stirred, whatever works for you. Try a "Vesper" with two parts gin, one part vodka, a splash of vermouth, and a tiny bit of quinine powder, with a lemon twist. Made with quality ingredients, the best...

[metalmader]

the vodka martini drinker isnt really seeking any flavour at all.

[craigenputtock]

yes also note that if you use shaker it must be shaken GENTLY---so that in effect it's the same as stirring. also what I do is freeze the martini glasses in the freezer with a small amount of water at the bottom so that it keep it very cold while drinking it.

[An0nEeMouse]

I was in a club once and ordered a martini. The bartender poured me a couple of ounces of Martini brand vermouth into a tall, straight walled glass, plopped in a couple of ice cubes, and presented it to me, satisfied he'd fulfilled my order. No joke.

[dremelinskov]

I love this guy.

[SalamanderTalent]

he's the best. 10/10 Chris!

[bolch88bb8]

I have always used a bit of Vermouth to line the glass when making a vodka martini....the vast majority of my customers tell me that they love them....anyways different strokes :)

[lobzdik]

why not ask for a glass of chilled vodka, if that's what you want?

I don't see how straight vodka can be called a martini....

[gardenvarietypenis]

why not ask for pineapple juice, gin, grenadine, benedictine, lime, cointreau, club soda and cherry heering when asking for a singapore sling?

we have names for simplification.

[lobzdik]

would you ask for a jack daniels and cocke without jack daniels and sprite instead of cocke? no

a martinit is a cocktail (means its made up of at least 2 ingridients) of gin and vermouth

a glass of vodka has neither vermouth or gin in it

[gardenvarietypenis]

his preparation involves vigorous shaking w/ice. this reduces the temp considerably....not simply chilled. it's a variation on a theme.

2 ingredients: vodka; ICE

[xpo50]

@lobzdik Well first I would like to say that I dislike vodka, but I think they call it a Vodka Martini because it is served in the same glass with the same garnish. Furthermore they do not call it just a martini, they call it a Vodka martini, I would assume if oyu went to a bar and order a "Martini" you would expect a gin drink. However, i do agree that there should be some Vermouth in a vodkatini.

[BarHodis]

I've seen quite a few martini videos on youtube and I have to say this is definitely the best there is. I really appreciated the fact that this guy actually presented the choices instead of just telling you his way of making it.

I think the only thing missing here is an addition of at least a little vermouth to the vodka, otherwise it's just cold vodka right? Thats the way I like it anyhow...

[ohmygod1983]

the Man..

[Norberto12Verde]

What is missing according to my opinion is a little splash of orange bitter (f.i. angostura). And the Olive. A Gin Martini without 1 or 2 (or even 3) olives is nothing very seductive.

[gotchusucka]

that was a shitload of vermouth....in other words it was made the right way.

[klugyboy]

I've been drinking martinis with 2 oz of gin and 1 oz of vermouth and a dash of orange bitters. Lots of vermouth but they are damn good. Maybe I'll go back to dry ones one day but these days they hit the spot.

[gotchusucka]

Enjoy your booze however you like, my friend....cheers, from Arizona.

[GoHawks4]

@klugyboy I do four ounces of (Plymouth) gin to one ounce of vermouth.

[klugyboy]

@GoHawks4 Wow! 4 oz of booze...that'll get you where you're going.

I like Plymouth gin...very soft...almost fruity.

[DonTheCritic]

You need at least half an ounce of Vermouth; I hate it when Bartenders line the glass and dump it out.

[gotchusucka]

yeah, the martini has basically become chilled vodka (with new additives) in a fancy glass. I can't tell you how many times ive heard people tell me that they are big Martini drinkers only to learn that they are big cosmo and appletini drinkers. oh, well.

[TheLegendaryBassist]

Amazing.

[formandfile]

Well I'm sold...gotta get a drink from this guy now.

[angryniggah]

now that's a barman.

[Sujz]

is that shaker glass chipped?

[Kitai007]

Nope it's not...

[dondons1987]

Thanks again for the upload!

[HeWhoHatesCats]

I want to reach through the screen and grab it

[urstrsass]

This gut is great.... To watch A man that knows his job.. and shows us that he enjoys what he dose... and has the knowledge in the history of his profession I guarantee if you watch one you will watch another...You don't just walk into a RITZ CARLTON AND TEND BAR WITHOUT AN OUTSTANDING KNOWLEDGE OF YOUR GAME...this man greets an talks with the patrons of a very prestige's Hotel...so take notes you so called players...you couldn't wash this guys glasses

[HeWhoHatesCats]

Well said... he's a class act barman

[njLady4I]

. . . Not to let preconceived ideas get in your way . . .

Well said, Chris!

Vodkalady

[mywytefeet]

You said, "For the sake of preparation (you'd) be using Tanqueray gin..." Would you normally prefer or use a different gin for a classic martini?

[jchavista89]

i like my martini shaken not stirred with grey goose vodka

[2Punkt]

that would be a vodka martini..whatever..hes doing it totally wrong:

1.) a good martini shouldnt have more than 1 1/2 gin and should have a dash of 1/8 oz DRY vermouth (not sure what kind of vermouth hes using)

2.) vodka martini is prepared the same way as a `normal´ martini, exept the quantity of the vermuth: use 1/4 of dry vermouth.

..no idea why hes preparing a pure vodka and selling it as a martini..because of the olive garnish? and btw: DON´T USE FILLED OLIVES!!

[fillopastry]

He is using "Noilly Prat" a premium dry vermouth from France apparently the oldest and first vermouth to be commercially produced.

[allancuevasuk]

Great tips on vermouth with gin and not really needed with vodka. It makes sense

[luisitosax]

Hi. i have seen on Beefeater's web page that they recommend chilled Gin to prepare martinis, not ice. What is the difference?

[Sawta]

Chilling it takes longer.

[luisitosax]

And maybe it is a stronger drink isn't it? because is it not diluted

[Ridgecliff]

This is a mistake.  The water that results from the melting ice is crucial to a well made martini.

[fillopastry]

Hmmm... it sounds like a gimmick to me.

The water content in a Martini is just as important as the other ingredients. If the gin is at chilled already not as much as will melt resulting in a drink that is too high a proof.

Diluting the spirit not only softens it for when if first hits your tongue and thoat, it also opens up a lot of subtle flavours you would not normally taste at full strength.

Hope this helps

[chrismcmillian1]

The same temperature will result in the same dilution.

[fillopastry]

...

[pinkwrapbub]

Thanks. I mixed gin and vodka and it was pretty cool! Your the man bro!

[chrismcmillian1]

there is only one true martini and it does not include vodka.

[DrBones666]

No, there are vodka martinis.

[shamanjoe]

They call them martinis, I'll agree with that.. But then again, they also sell $2 watches from China and call them Rolexes.

[DrBones666]

Which still keep great time. I know, I've owned many.

007 always specified Vodka Martini. He gave the original gin martini it's due by making it know the kind he wanted.

The gin martini still tastes like horse piss though.

[shamanjoe]

If you don't like gin, that's fine, but you don't have to call it horse piss. I didn't say there was anything wrong with vodka, it's just not a martini.

[canseeformiles]

Vodka martinis are flavourless, James Bond is fictitious character and is, as a result, not a definitive authority on cocktails. Gin is the way forward.

[SillyEddyPhotography]

@canseeformiles James Bond didn't invent the cocktail, but rumour has it that Ian Fleming did create it, or took reference from a barman whilst writing his books. And the Vesper 'James Bond' Martini has gin in it as well. It remains a strange taste, and I fully support the gin martini of course!

[EPICT0ASTER]

@chrismcmillian1 says you? lol

[JonasClark]

@chrismcmillian1 As far as I understand it, vodka martinis were pushed in the 60s through the Bond films by vodka importers, since the spirit wasn't very popular. Vodka, well-shaken with ice, is a great way to bring out the subtle flavor, but it isn't truly a martini.

[DrBones666]

Very well done. Worthy of your own show, no question.

[jennk62378]

:) too bad he can't have his own tv show on the food network or something

[teringaap]

Very Good Job!!