Who fancies a Martini – or 100? As we prepare for the return of Sipsmith 100 Martini we’ve been trawling the order books to find the top Martini recipes on the tasty tipple list.
In April, we launched the inaugural Sipsmith 100 Martini Bar as a delightful dip into the history of this most timeless and sophisticated of cocktails. Partnering with Kettner’s, and held in their oak-panelled private Soho apartment, we had on offer 100 different historic – and classic – top Martini recipes. Guests were welcomed to their tables with an interactive menu that charted all 100 – from the Original, first served in 1888, to the BeefSteak, invented by our Master Distiller Jared Brown a few years ago. From there, imbibers could pick their preferred tipples, which were shaken, stirred or thrown tableside.
This October we’re thrilled to be bringing the Sipsmith 100 Martini Bar back to London’s discerning drinkers; we’ll be teaming up with Kettner’s again for four nights only during October’s London Cocktail Week. Be sure to book quickly: tickets will soon be available for sessions on October 6th, 7th, 9th, and 10th.
As we still have a few weeks to go, though, we’ve been trawling through the order history to discover what teased your palates and tickled your taste buds, and are sharing a selection of the top Martini recipes below. Try mixing up a few of these for a taste of what to expect next month.
The Vesper
The most popular Martini served at Sipsmith 100 Martini – and a testament to the power of Bond. This is actually a cousin of the classic Martini (and an invention of James Bond author Ian Fleming’s) for Duke’s. The Vesper blends gin and vodka with vermouth for an elegant twist on a classic.
60 ml Sipsmith London Dry Gin
20 ml Sipsmith Sipping Vodka
10 ml Lillet Blanc
Combine all three ingredients in an ice-filled cocktail shaker; do as Mr. Bond did and shake well. Strain into a chilled cocktail coupe and garnish with a sizeable lemon twist.
The Millionaire
Unbelievably popular at the Sipsmith 100 Martini Bar, and also known as a Millionaire’s Martini or a Martini Royale, this drink sees the Martini dress up with a float of Champagne. This was a common practice in highbrow 19th century saloons, where Champagne was added liberally to all manner of drinks. They knew a thing or two about how to enjoy life.
40 ml Sipsmith London Dry Gin
40 ml dry vermouth
Champagne
To a cocktail shaker filled with very cold ice, add the first two ingredients; stir for 30 seconds or until very chilled. Strain into a chilled cocktail coupe and top with a splash of Champagne.
The Arnaud
A favourite of our Master Distiller Jared Brown’s, the Arnaud was originally called the Parisian, though it later took its name from French West End theatre star Yvonne Arnaud.
25 ml VJOP
25 ml dry vermouth
25 ml crème de cassis
Add all three ingredients to a cocktail shaker filled with ice and stir for 30 seconds, or until very cold. Strain into a chilled cocktail coupe.
The Montgomery
The Montgomery isn’t for shrinking violets. The strongest among our top Martini recipes, this drink is named for Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery, a British leader of the Western Desert Campaign in North Africa. As Montgomery refused to face enemies until his troops outnumbered theirs by 15:1, so this Martini has a 15:1 ratio of gin to vermouth. To give it extra clout, it was also said to be Hemingway’s preferred pour.
60 ml Sipsmith London Dry Gin
4 ml vermouth
1 dash bitters
Combine all three ingredients in an ice-filled cocktail shaker and shake until well chilled. Strain into a chilled cocktail coupe.
Out of all 100 of our Martinis, the only version that wasn’t ordered even once was The Homestead. Having originated in Harry Craddock‘s Savoy Cocktail Book, this is a delicious Sloe Gin Martini that’s best for those that like theirs on the sweet side. We will definitely be giving it a big-up this London Cocktail Week, and as we enter sloe gin season, it’s the perfect one to try at home:
The Homestead
50 ml Sipsmith Sloe Gin
25 ml sweet vermouth
Orange slice
Combine ingredients, including the orange slice, into an ice filled cocktail shaker. Shake well and strain into a chilled cocktail coupe. Garnish with an orange twist.
Tickets will be available shortly. We cannot wait.
