A "Very" Dry Martini - How Is This Still A Thing?
If it’s already dry, how can it be more dry?
Jamie Mah @grahammah
On the third episode of author Michael Lewis’ excellent new podcast, Against the Rules, he talks about our need for grammar and ethics cops. As Lewis digs deep into the world of encyclopedias and the history of proper style, I was reminded of the martini, specifically how it is usually ordered.
For most who enjoy this cocktail, ordering it “dry”, meaning less vermouth, has become as ubiquitous as having wine with cheese. As our palates have evolved, so to has our affinity for less of everything.
Less sugar. Less sulfites. Less vermouth.
However, as I’ve illustrated above with this column’s title, the addition of the adverb very has now come to be of common usage when ordering this drink. I have found this odd for quite some time now.
If something is already dry, there’s no way I can make it more dry. It’s impossible. The only thing which can be done is to remove the vermouth entirely. Which if removed, does this still make the drink even a martini?
Well not really, as renowned mixologist Simon Difford explains:
“In its simplest and truest form, a martini is a mix of gin and vermouth, perhaps with a dash or two of bitters, and garnished with an olive or a twist.”
Therefore, if the adverb very is used to order a martini, which in theory means no vermouth, thus making the drink not a martini, why is it still called a martini?
How is this still a thing?
If we’ve become a society hell bent on calling out anyone who says or writes anything wrong, safe for Donald Trump, why have we not corrected this problem?
“The only point where theorists, traditionalists, and trendsetters all agree is that Martinis must be made and presented with style. This singular golden rule is the difference between the drink author E.B.White dubbed the “elixir of quietude.” Since its birth, the Martini has remained a symbol of taste and sophistication and the destruction of business luncheons and livers for well over two centuries.” — glasswithatwist.com
Therefore, if we’re determined to drink martinis as Don Draper once might have, then let’s begin by first ordering them correctly, shall we?
If you want a dry martini, ask for a dry martini. If you want a glass of gin or vodka, then ask for that.
A “Very” Dry Martini — How Is This Still A Thing?