Yes, You Can Serve Your Martinis Frozen

When it comes to crafting a cocktail, chilling and dilution are crucial. Assemble delicious ingredients, but don't mix them with ice properly, and the drink won't be quite right. A stir or shake not only introduces water to the mix but also lowers the temperature — which both affects the mouthfeel and reduces boozy burn.

Among classic cocktails, few are as meticulously temperature-controlled as perfect martinis. Getting this sling cold is an iconic part of its character. However, it can be surprisingly difficult to achieve by simply stirring. So to alleviate such an issue, consider freezing a prepared batch.

Throwing a carefully measured bottle of the cocktail into the freezer will both meld components and create a lush mouthfeel. No need to worry about ice crystals forming; alcohol's freezing point is lower than what's in a home freezer. Plus, the batched cocktail will be ready to pour to guests without any prep — another tremendous upside. Let's dive into the details of freezing this stiff drink.

While it may be a new technique for some, freezing martinis has long been employed by both professional and home bartenders alike. In the 1950s and '60s, martinis were trending in the U.S., and freezers were achieving widely available distribution. Savvy mixologists realized the synergy of the two, and it was common to throw a batch in to chill. However, martinis soon lost their popularity, and the practice faded away stateside.

In recent years, acclaimed bartenders have shined the wondrous qualities of the technique once more. The beloved Dukes Martini — crafted with a hefty 4 ounces of gin per drink — wouldn't even be palatable without the procedure.

The technique functions with your preference for gin or vodka and vermouth. Just remember that the lower temperatures may limit the nuance of some spirits; hence dry gins are preferred for the technique. And in addition to patience, another crucial detail is the water; make sure to use a filtered type. With a longer dilution time, any off-flavors will impact the resultant martini more than when stirred with ice. To serve, simply pour into a glass, and throw on an optional garnish. Sip and enjoy; the mouthfeel's tremendous.