What To Ask When Someone Orders A Martini

by Rodger Smith
(Washington DC)

What questions should you ask someone regarding what type of martini they want?

Answer:

If someone orders a martini without providing any other information, there's definitely a few things that you'll need to have specified. Here's what to ask to make sure that you deliver just what they want.

Up or on the rocks?

Do they prefer to have it served up or on the rocks? Typically up is more common, but on the rocks gets requested from time to time.

If you are bartending professionally, it's a good habit to put all the necessary glassware for all of your drink orders at any given time on the counter in front of your station.

The reason for this is that when you're busy, there's a gazillion things racing through your head. So having all the required glassware in front of you to begin with is a visual reminder of how many drinks you have to make.

One other reason is if you don't have the refrigeration space to keep your martini glasses chilled, this allow you time to chill them which is commonly done by filing the glass with ice and topping with water.

Naturally, just empty the glass when you are done mixing the drink and pour the martini in.

Shaken or stired?

Ah yes, the famous line. Shaken is more popular in my experience, but you never want to assume.

What type of liquor?

Nowadays, most people drink their martinis with vodka, but there's some traditionalists who take theirs with gin. So you'll want to confirm if they want vodka or gin martini.

Favorite Brand?

Many people have a favorite brand that they like for their Martini. For vodka this could be Ketel One, Absolut, Grey Goose or one of many others.

For gin, Tanqueray or Bombay are two of the most well know brands.

Type of garnish?

Olives or a twist?

How's your martini?

Perfect!

Have a look at our other page for more info about the classic martini.