In this Dinner Party Podcast episode, I sit down with Alice Lascelles, author of The Martini: The Ultimate Guide to a Cocktail Icon. We dive into the rich history of the martini, exploring how it’s more than just a drink—it’s a cultural icon that reflects different eras. Alice shares her first martini experience at The Dorchester and the unforgettable impact it had on her. She explains why the martini is a ritual in itself, from choosing the right glass to the sensory magic of lemon zest and stirred ice. We talk about the martini’s iconic associations, like James Bond’s Vesper Martini and discuss the ongoing debate: shaken or stirred. Alice also shares the secrets to pre-batching martinis for dinner parties and how different garnishes create distinct personalities for the drink. We touch on the '80s cocktail craze, which spawned countless “-tinis,” and how the martini has since reclaimed its elegance. For anyone who loves cocktails and culture, this episode serves up plenty of inspiration and a little bit of history with each sip.

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