Title: The Ultimate Little Martini Book Author: Ray Foley Publisher: Sourcebooks, Inc. Publish Date: 2005 Pages: 373 Genres:: How-To Guide,Reviewer: J. Henry

Rating:

Have you been seeking out a pocket-sized handbook, easily organized in alphabetical order, on every martini imaginable? Well, the publisher of Bartender Magazine has compiled more than one thousand martini recipes, ensuring that The Ultimate Little Martini Book lives up to its title.

This pocket book serves strictly as a reference guide, not bothering to bandy about with fancy illustrations. Directions are kept brief: “Shake and strain.” “Shake with ice.” “Stir and pour into chilled wine glass.” Directions like these seem redundant after seeing them page after page. One who is familiar with the art of the martini will already know full well to shake and strain.

Ranging from the “007” Martini to the Zorbatini, Foley doesn’t only include his own blends but those of some the best bartenders and restaurants in his artillery. Leafing through this handy little guide just confirms my belief that there are too many recipes to make an apple martini and not enough names. Between the basic Apple Martini there are the Appletini versions I and II, the American as Apple Pie martini, the Apple Kiss Martini and the Apple Jack Martini. The Nutty Martini extends to two versions of the Nuttini Martini, one containing Smirnoff and amaretto, the other Stolichnaya and hazelnut liqueur. For drinks that stem from fruit flavors, the options are plentiful, though some recipes seem a bit off-putting (ex. the Pickled Pepper Martini with Absolut Peppar and a splash of pickle juice). Some of the formulas that sound the most delicious derive from Godiva liqueur. The addition of this chocolate component is a treat for those who enjoy the sweet and smooth mixture with some added twists.

Literally, any martini recipe you may have tasted, thought of tasting, or possibly invented in your mind is made available. There are drinks for those who are fans of the tart, the sweet, and the strong.

One can easily look at The Ultimate Little Martini Book and pinpoint their options. When compiling this list, Foley realized brevity is key, so all information provided is easy to skim through.

As pure reference material this is a formidable resource for martini connoisseurs. Providing recipes used all over the United States, one can bring a substantial amount of class to their home bar by using this thick little reference book as a cheat sheet.