Yes, Shaken, not Stirred

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drinkphotoFrom the pages of Ian Fleming’s classic James Bond straight to your celebration, these three words are worth following to master the perfect martini: shaken, not stirred. Oh, and make sure it’s a vodka martini too for that smooth iconic perfection… And may I suggest a black shimmering dress for you and a tailored tux for your date?

Well Casino Royal aside, nothing feels quite as festive as the following two simple martini recipes: one dirty and the other (well some might call it girly but the fellows like them equally well) has a splash of fruit syrup. It’s all about taste you know. Follow either religiously and I can guarantee an easy transition right into 2013!

Whether or not I lived 1 1/2 miles from the family-run distillery down the hill, I would still begin with vodka from Smugglers’ Notch Distillery. This is not the first time I have mentioned this gem, nor do I expect it to be the last, but if you are not fortunate to be in an area that sells this elixir, do your best to find another high quality vodka.

Quite simply, either recipe calls for 2 parts vodka to one of dry vermouth. Fill your shaker about half way with ice, then add the 2 shots of vodka and one of vermouth. Shake. As Bond suggests, shake until ice-cold, which happens miraculously within a few short minutes. To keep it dirty, pour the liquid over three spiked martini olives into the stemmed glass of your choice.

To make your cocktail a bit more festive, add a splash of fruit syrup (to taste) into the shaker before shaking. Once again, we have found an extraordinary product right in our neighborhood, a strawberry-rhubarb syrup from The Farm Between: an all organic, local fruit mixture that adds just the right amount of red color and sweet taste to make this holiday drink memorable. Pour into a martini glass filled with crushed ice.

No New Year’s Eve plans yet? Why not call some friends over? Light up the tree and a room full of candles. Throw a festive table cloth across the kitchen table. Everyone can bring a dish to share while swapping stories about their favorite days of 2012. Look straight into the night sky just before midnight and demand peace, health, and prosperity for all. Along the way, raise your martini glass with either of these easy concoctions and yes, enjoy a guaranteed glorious time for all!

Cheers to all of you in 2013!

13 thoughts on “Yes, Shaken, not Stirred”

  1. Never have I read a more exotic arrival to New Year’s Eve. Fortunately, my date drinks martinis and since we are coming back to “my place” after dinner out,we can try it…….I get the feeling it is a BEFORE dinner drink………trouble brews…..and isn’t it fun? Happy New year,ninecentgirl,you deserve the best!!!!!! How I have enjoyed your blogs all through 2012. On we go…..you go to 2013!!!!! Woopee.

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  3. I’m a big fan of the 9centgirlie martini…just like the blog, it goes down easy, I feel great afterwards, and I’ve learned something by getting in touch with my inner 9cent girl

    Happy new year !.

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  4. Let this New Year be the one, where all your dreams come true, so with a joyful heart, put a start to this year anew. Wishing you a happy and prosperous New Year 2013.

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  5. Happy New Year! You may have had some unintended consequences here, but you’ve convinced me to have some good vodka and watch a James Bond movie… believe it or not, I’ve never seen one. And I’ve never had Smugg’s vodka! I know, criminal on both accounts.

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  6. In this festive evening sleigh let you bring the best wishes of happiness :joy, love and happiness.May happiness and blessings to you and forever stop by and follow .HAPPY NEW YEAR

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