Yes, Virginia. A perfect martini includes good vermouth.

I am an unapologetic martini perfectionista.

Pure gin or vodka martinis are not tolerated at Rancho Ryan. Those aren’t martinis. They are rough, crude and frankly, unsophisticated.

Two to one is my preferred mix of fine gin and a high quality vermouth. I especially stress the importance of using a quality vermouth - since it’s the vermouth that actually makes the martini. A number of gins can stand up to vermouth, including Tangueray - which was my favorite for quite a long time. Then I tried Bombay Sapphire. Wow. That’s my favorite these days.

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