Shaken, Not Stirred

I am of the firm belief that every lady (yes, I said lady) should have a cocktail that she can call her own, for several reasons. First, let's paint a picture with words. You are at your work Christmas party or your best friend's wedding reception. The bartender asks, "What'll it be?"  While standing next to your boss and future husband (respectively, not necessarily the same man), you awkwardly stutter, "Hmm, I don't know, let me just think here, hmm... I'll have [insert name of some drink you've never had, potentially will hate, turns out to be the size of a kiddie pool, you name the possible flubs that could occur under such pressure]."  I'm all for trying new things, but I like to do it on my terms. Second, there  is just something empowering about ordering without skipping a beat, something that conveys poise and confidence. And finally, some days just call for a stiff drink. You will know it when it happens.

So what is my signature drink, you say? It is the Dirty Martini, vodka, shaken, not stirred, olive, no onion (the onion is old school, that's the way Grandpa Donovan drinks his).  For those of you (who are over 21, of course, or are studying in Europe) who would like to try it, here is the recipe.

Dirty Martini

Fill your martini glass with a bit of ice and some water, set in freezer. 

In a shaker filled with ice, pour 1 part dry vermouth and 2 parts vodka. Shake. 

Empty ice and water from martini glass. Strain cocktail into chilled glass. Add olive juice to taste, and garnish with green olives. Voila.

As a side note, if you aren't drinking alcohol, but find yourself in a cocktail setting, just order a lime and soda. It looks like a mixed drink with 100% less calories and inebriating effect. And as one final side note, which I probably don't even need to mention but will anyway... Do not, ever, under any circumstances make your signature drink Sex on the Beach, no matter how much you like the flavor of said drink. Just don't.