A chic happy hour libation and a no-frills classic that screams sophistication, the martini is a timeless cocktail that's as elegant as it is simple. If you want to start dabbling in dashing beverages but aren't familiar with the great martini's stylish air of mystery – begin with the basics. Lesson one: Mastering the martini lingo.
Chapter one: What in the world does "straight up" mean? Although the buttoned-up patron at the bar might sound bougie and brainy when they call out for a martini straight up, this beverage presentation style is the default martini form. A straight-up cocktail is one that's shaken or stirred with ice before being strained into a glass for ice-free sipping. Occasionally, you might hear someone order a martini "up," which is often used interchangeably with straight up.
Because it's not served over ice, a martini can't be diluted while you enjoy slow, swanky sipping. The absence of ice also contributes to the drink's defining, silky-smooth mouthfeel. Because a standard martini is almost always served straight up, specifying typically isn't necessary.
Tips for preparing a straight-up martini at home Although ordering a martini can be as mindless as saying its name, perfecting an ice-free version at home demands some attention. By keeping a few tips in mind, you'll have a straight-up martini that is so exquisite it would make Carrie Bradshaw dump her cosmopolitan down the drain. For starters, don't skip serving a martini in its proper vessel.
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