"Work is the curse of the drinking classes."

—Oscar Wilde
 

Now, for the perfect "Benjamin" Martini, I recommend the following. It has NEVER failed me yet.  I prefer Tanqueray, cause it has a great "bite" to the taste, but when I'm feeling romantic, Bombay Sapphire will hit the spot.  Beefeater's is not worthy of consumption (the disease or the process of consuming).  And, a vodka "martini" is NOT a martini, in the Kantian sense.

Now, you will need a measuring glass..but I presume, if you were howling in laughter, as I was, at the above quote, you already do. Measure out 3 oz (pretty well exactly) of the gin. Please store the bottle in the freezer, where it belongs.  Add one drop (one drop ONLY) of Angoustura Bitters to the above. These bitters are in liquid form, and can be purchased at most fine grocery stores. Finally, drool a "tiny" bit of vermouth (dry) down the edge of the measuring glass (your palate will titrate to degree of dryness after a while).  Add the whole thing to your shaker (metal/aluminum will do...you have that also, I presume), shake vigorously, then...let SIT for about 1 minute.  Then pour into a martini cocktail glass (no other glass will do...sorry).  If you keep a frosted cocktail glass in the fridge or freezer, even better, but that is not as "compulsory" as the other steps.  Add one or two OLIVES, if you like.

Finally...sigh to yourself, cause you are such a lucky sonofabitch to be enjoying one of the truist joys of the good life, and sip to contentment...,then call me if this works for you, and we can "share" together!

Wishing all of the DB message board cyber-"family" a Happy and wondrous thanksgiving.  Enjoy with your family, and the ones you love.

Love and Peace,

Gene Benjamin