Perfect Martini

    If you do a search on the "perfect martini" you will get at least 5 million hits and a lot of advice.  Here is one version of a perfect martini that it is virtually impossible to screw up, no matter how inept you are as a bartender.

    This Perfect Martini is called a "Frame Up."    It was invented by the late Howard Frame of San Francisco.  Dwight met him and his wife on a trip for the National Recreation and Park Association in about 1972.  The drink was invented by Howard while on one of his numerous trips to Europe.  Being a martini aficionado, Howard could never find a bartender who could make a really good martini (very little dry vermouth, as opposed to a lot of vermouth,  being a principal characteristic.)  This was particularly true in Europe, but also true in the U.S.

    So, Howard invented a martini that is essentially impossible to get wrong.  It can be served straight up or on the rocks, with or without olive or onion, depending on your taste.  It is deliciously simple.

                                                  Vodka with a splash of gin. 

    That's all!  No stirring, no shaking.

    The vodka is best kept in the freezer so it is unnecessary to add any ice to the cocktail.  The splash of gin will not warm up the vodka enough to matter.  Dwight's favorite is Absolut Vodka and Beefeater Gin straight up in a real martini glass.  A close second is Russian Stolichnaya ("Stoli") and Beefeater.  Never use a flavored vodka, even though both Absolut and Stoli have flavored varieties.

    If you want one at a bar or restaurant, you will probably have to specify "Vodka on the rocks with a splash of gin."  If the bartender knows what a Frame Up is--you ought to tip him or her extra!

"Perfect" Old Fashioned

    This drink was first served for me by my father, James C. Rettie, in about 1952, though he never claimed to have "invented" it.  Since about 1952 it has been a staple before every Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner in my family (and beyond.)

    It starts with a big Old Fashioned glass (you will understand why size is important in this case as you read on.)  If you don't have a large Old Fashioned glass, a 10-12 oz. picnic cup will work.

    In the bottom, put three good shakes of Angustura Bitters into each glass.  Add 2 tablespoons of real maple syrup, maybe even a tad more.  Never use sugar or any artificial sweetner!  Add 3-4 oz. of Old Forester bourbon whiskey.  I'm uncertain whether any other brand of bourbon will work as well, but the tradition calls for Old Forester, and I would never mess with tradition.  Add 1 or 2 spears of fresh pineapple.  They'll serve as a swizzler later.  Add a thick slice of fresh seedless orange, cut in half.  After some marinating, the rind also makes a tasty garnish.  Add 1 or 2 marachino cherries with the stems on, and maybe a half teaspoon of the juice the cherries came in.  Stir gently to mix the ingredients.  Add 3 or 4 ice cubes and stir again with the pineapple sticks.  If you must, add cold water to taste.

    One of these Old Fashioneds is usually enough, but expect to be asked for seconds.  They go down very easily and taste like more, especially just before sitting down to a family Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner.  

(Added to: 11-28-08)

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