Martinis of this era were typically served with a fair amount of dry vermouth.
MGC x Dirk the Crook x Carlton Wine Room
Get the 1920s Martini recipeThe Inspiration
The ‘Roaring Twenties’ were a time where alcohol was technically prohibited in America, organised crime was at a peak, and martinis were still served with plenty of vermouth and orange bitters. The appetite for a raucous underground club scene gave birth to illegal ‘speakeasy’ bars, where alcohol flowed and jazz music reigned supreme – and to see and be seen was everything.
Dirk Willem Fourie AKA Dirk the Crook who’s known for celebrating “The Golden Age of Menswear” donned his best 1920s attire and headed to Carlton Wine Room to learn how martini of the Roaring Twenties’ was made.
Image credits: Dirk Willem Fourie
First, pour 45ml of MGC Dry Gin over plenty of ice in a mixing glass. This local gin is bold and classic and perfect for martinis. Then add a half shot of classic dry vermouth, 3 good dashes of orange bitters and stir well for about 15 seconds to chill and dilute your martini.
As always, we want everything served really cold for peak enjoyment, so strain and serve this in a chilled glass. I’m adding a grapefruit twist here for an extra pop of flavour.
