Monday, December 22, 2025

Shaken, not stirred

After many years, I have now come to understand the joy of a proper Dry Martini. I think that JB has it right, with Voddy being the chosen spirit. Just pips Gin, imho.

Ingredients

2 ½ ounces London dry gin (or vodka, if preferred)

½ ounce dry vermouth (this 5:1 ratio is standard for a dry martini, but can be adjusted to personal taste)

Optional: 1 dash of orange bitters (a classic addition that fell out of favor, but is recommended by many for complexity)

Garnish: A green olive or a lemon twist

Ice 

Mmmmm niiiice.

4 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

Get You Sexy boy!
And why does JB have it shaken and not stirred ? answers on a post card

7:44 pm  
Blogger chris said...

In-Universe Reasons
Optimal Coldness and Dilution: Shaking a cocktail with ice makes it much colder and dilutes it more than stirring, producing a cloudy appearance and tiny ice chips. Bond generally seems to prefer his drinks "ice-cold" and highly diluted.
Accommodating Early Vodka: In the 1950s when the books were written, vodka (especially cheaper potato-based brands from the Soviet Union) was often oily. Shaking the drink was a practical way to disperse the oil and make the drink more palatable.
Maintaining Alertness: Some fan theories suggest that the increased dilution from shaking results in a slightly weaker drink, allowing Bond to drink heavily to maintain his cover in social situations while remaining more alert than his targets.
Showmanship/Psychological Warfare: The unusual and specific order is a deliberate act of non-conformity and an assertion of his unique style, which can unnerve traditionalists and help him take control of a situation. In the film Casino Royale (2006), after losing millions, when asked how he wants his martini, a despondent Bond replies, "Do I look like I give a damn?", suggesting the usual order is a charade for effect.
Real-World Reasons
Author's Preference: The main reason may be simply that Ian Fleming, James Bond's creator, preferred his own martinis shaken and believed it made the drink taste better or preserved the flavor.
Iconic Catchphrase: For the films, "shaken, not stirred" became a memorable and sophisticated catchphrase that has become a fundamental part of the character's global brand identity, ensuring continuity across different actors and eras.

8:01 am  
Blogger chris said...

Well, thats what AI says... :-)
I must admit to not knowing

8:02 am  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Damn - you’re good…………..LOL

12:49 pm  

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