The Martini is timeless.
With its simple ingredients and sleek glass, it is designed to be savored and savored, becoming an unparalleled symbol of sophistication enjoyed by James Bond, Franklin Roosevelt and Frank Sinatra.
But after more than a century, even a classic — usually ordered with gin or vodka as the base spirit — could use an update.
Justin Lorenz, Wine & Beverage Director of Lotte New York Palace (where a $250 Martini is on the menu) reveals what’s trending with America’s classiest cocktail.
Located in the iconic Lotte New York Palace, The Gold Room has just unveiled its new “Art of the Martini” menu, a collection of eight expertly crafted, one-of-a-kind martini cocktails made with a range of premium liqueurs
Justin Lorenz, Wine & Beverage Director of Lotte New York Palace reveals everything you need to know about America’s most stylish cocktail: The Martini
“The Martini was invented (by most stories) 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 of opulence and luxury – think James Bond and Gatsby.”
“The Martini was (according to most stories) invented by bartender Martini di Arma di Taggia at the Knickerbocker in 1911 for billionaire John D. Rockefeller,” said Justin Lorenz, Wine & Beverage Director of Lotte New York Palace.
‘Pop culture has both positioned and celebrated the martini as a cocktail signifying opulence and luxury – think James Bond and Gatsby’
While a traditional Martini contains gin and dry vermouth, Justin believes that what makes the Martini special is the way it emphasizes the spirit itself.
“You can really do this with any quality spirit,” he said.
A popular variation on the traditional recipe is the Vodka Martini which uses vodka instead of gin for the base of the cocktail.
The golden roomlocated in the iconic Lotte New York Palace, has just unveiled its new “Art of the Martini” menu.
Inspired by the Gilded Age, when nightlife, opulence and luxury reached new heights, the menu features a collection of eight expertly crafted, one-of-a-kind Martini cocktails, made 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-storey Renaissance-style Gold Room bar in the iconic Lotte New York Palace
While a traditional martini contains gin and dry vermouth, Justin believes that what makes the martini special is the way it emphasizes the spirit itself.
“Our Clase Martini is one of our most popular picks, as it showcases a high-quality tequila with a simple balance of Lillet Blanc,” Justin said.
“Tequila is very popular right now and people are drinking high-quality tequila more than ever.
‘Consumers are better educated and open to experimenting with spirits that they might not otherwise have drunk in its purest form.
“Our Clase Martini is one of our most popular picks as it showcases high quality tequila with a simple balance of Lillet Blanc.”
Another standout offering on 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 using plant-based ingredients such as saffron and verbena,” Justin explains.
“This offering has taken 4 generations to perfect. Each bottle is numbered and tasted/approved by the 10th generation owner. There’s no gin like this made.’
This new menu is the palace’s tribute to a classic night out in New York after the pandemic
Unlike other drinks, the glass of a Martini is served in business. You will never see a Martini prepared in a crystal tumbler or champagne flute.
“The Martini glass allows for greater exposure to air, which allows the mind to open,” explains Justin. It has a long stem, a wider bowl and a rounded base.
“Ideally the glass should be kept refrigerated, best in a blast freezer.”
“The Martini glass allows for greater exposure to air, which allows the mind to open,” explains Justin. It has a long handle, a wider bowl and a round base
Ideally, a Martini glass should be chilled
For the ultimate VIP Martini experience, take a trip to the two-story Renaissance-style Gold Room bar in the iconic Lotte New York Palace.
“Like the Martini, The Gold Room has changed little over time,” Justin said.
‘The space serves as a backdrop where the drink can be consumed as it is intended.
“By selecting this exclusive spirits, we sought to provide an experience that America’s first billionaire would have approved, in a space where he would have been at home.”
To prepare 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 stir (don’t shake!) well, then strain into a chilled Martini cocktail glass.
“Shaking a martini makes it weaker and gives you chills,” Justin said.
“However, mainstream culture has taught us to shake rather than stir, which basically dampens the flavor and aromatic profile.”
While a lemon twist or an olive skewer has traditionally been the garnish of the Martini, it doesn’t have to be.
“As the quality of these spirits has increased over time through innovation and production of smaller batches, there is less need to cut or otherwise balance them,” explains Justin.
Cheers!