Shaken Not Stirred

Book excerpt: This first-of-its-kind volume features 40 ways to make a classic martini, 60 nouveau concoctions and a directory of the world's best martini lounges. Here, readers will discover the finer points of gin versus vodka, olive versus twist, shaken versus stirred, as well as brands of liquor, ratios of ingredients and every facet of this highly ritualized and specific cocktail. Also included are looks at and recipes for the weird and wonderful new offspring of the martini renaissance: chocolate and espresso martinis, the Cajun Combustion Engine, Martini Navratilova, Very Berry Martini, Pasini Express, Berlin Station Chief and many more. With sidebars featuring quotes from literature, toasts and historical points of interest, plus photos recalling great martini moments in film, politics, culture and advertising, Shaken Not Stirred is a fabulous celebration of a classic and very au courant international tradition.