Everything you need to know about Martinis, including why you should never shake them

The Martini is timeless.

With its simple ingredients and elegant glass, it was designed to be sipped and savored, and has become a symbol of unparalleled sophistication enjoyed by James Bond, Franklin Roosevelt and Frank Sinatra.

But after more than a century, even a classic – most often ordered with gin or vodka as the base liquor – could use an update.

Justin Lorenz, Wine and Beverage Director of Lotte Palace of New York (where there’s a $250 Martini on the menu) reveals what’s trending with America’s fanciest cocktail.

Justin Lorenz, Wine & Beverage Director of Lotte New York Palace reveals everything you need to know about America’s fanciest cocktail: the Martini

“The Martini was invented (by most accounts) by bartender Martini di Arma di Taggia at the Knickerbocker in 1911 for billionaire John D. Rockefeller,” Justin said.

“Since then, pop culture has both positioned and celebrated the Martini as a cocktail synonymous with opulence and luxury – think James Bond and Gatsby.”

“The Martini was invented (by most accounts) by bartender Martini di Arma di Taggia at the Knickerbocker in 1911 for billionaire John D. Rockefeller,” said Justin Lorenz, wine and beverage director at Lotte New York Palace.

“Pop culture has both positioned and celebrated the martini as a cocktail that signifies opulence and luxury – think James Bond and Gatsby”

While a traditional Martini contains gin and dry vermouth, Justin thinks what makes the Martini special is how it showcases the spirit itself.

“You really can do that with any high-quality spirit,” he said.

A popular twist on the traditional recipe is the Vodka Martini which uses vodka instead of gin for the base of the cocktail.

The golden roomlocated within the iconic Lotte New York Palace, has just unveiled its new “Art of the Martini” menu.

Inspired by the Golden Age, when nightlife, opulence and luxury reached a new height, the menu features a collection of eight unique and expertly crafted Martini cocktails, created with an assortment of premium liquors, including a $250 gin.

“The Art of The Martini represents what I believe to be the best available in vodka, gin and tequila,” Justin said.

The “Art of the Martini” menu is appropriately served in the two-story Renaissance-style Gold Room bar located in the iconic Lotte New York Palace

While a traditional martini contains gin and dry vermouth, Justin thinks what makes the martini special is how it showcases the spirit itself.

“Our Clase Martini is one of our most popular picks because it features a high quality tequila with a simple balance of Lillet Blanc,” Justin said.

“Tequila is very popular right now and people are drinking high end tequila more than ever.

“The consumer is more educated and open to experimenting with spirits that they might not otherwise have chosen to drink in their purest form.

“Our Clase Martini is one of our most popular picks, as it features a high quality tequila with a simple balance of Lillet Blanc.”

Another standout offering from the Gold Bar’s new menu is a $250 martini made with Nolet’s Reserve gin.

“This exclusive and refined gin is made in extremely limited quantities from botanicals like saffron and verbena,” Justin explained.

‘This offering took 4 generations to perfect. Each bottle is numbered and tasted/approved by its 10th generation owner. There is no gin produced like this.

This new menu is the Palace’s tribute to a classic New York night, post-pandemic

Unlike other drinks, the glass of a Martini is served in the raw. You will never see a Martini prepared in a crystal glass or a champagne flute.

“The Martini glass allows for more exposure to the air, which allows the mind to open up,” Justin explained. It features a long stem, a wider bowl and a circular base.

“Ideally the glass should be chilled, best stored in a blast freezer. »

“The Martini glass allows for more exposure to the air, which allows the mind to open up,” Justin explained. It features a long stem, wider bowl and circular base

Ideally, a Martini glass should be chilled

For the ultimate VIP Martini experience, head to the two-story Renaissance-style Gold Room Bar located in the iconic Lotte New York Palace.

“Like the Martini, The Gold Room has changed very little over time,” Justin said.

“The space serves as a backdrop where the drink can be enjoyed, as it was meant to be.

“In selecting these exclusive spirits, we strived to deliver an experience that America’s first billionaire would have endorsed, in a space in which he would have been at home.”

To make a Martini at home: Pour all ingredients into a mixing glass with ice cubes and stir (don’t shake!) well, then strain into a chilled Martini cocktail glass.

To make a Martini at home like a pro, Justin reveals his method:

Pour all ingredients into a mixing glass with ice cubes and mix well (do not shake!), then strain into a chilled Martini cocktail glass.

“Shaking a Martini dilutes it and cools the mind,” Justin said.

“However, the mainstream culture has taught us to shake rather than stir, which actually dulls its flavor and aroma profile.”

Although a twist of lemon or a skewer of olives has traditionally been the Martini garnish, it is not required.

“As the quality of these spirits has increased over time through innovation and the production of smaller batches, the need to cut or balance them has decreased,” Justin explained.

Cheers!