The Perfect Martini

I have found there are important rules to making a great martini. Don't forget, it's the process that makes a drink great. Here are my 6 rules:

1. Chill your favorite glass in the freezer. You must have a favorite. Perhaps with a great story behind it or whatever. And it has to be a martini glass. Never, ever a high ball or wine glass.

2. Get some great music going to set the mood. Some Astrud Gilberto always helps or perhaps some other lounge tunes.

3. Always shake your martini, don't ever stir it. And use plenty of ice. And though some say don't shake it too much, I say shake it on down for at least 30 seconds or more.

4. Always have a bowl of fresh mixed nuts to accompany your drink. Somehow I've always found that mixed nuts are very hip and make me feel important. Maybe I have a problem. But perhaps it's just that 50's paradigm kicking in.

5. Don't ever use cheap vodka. Always use a high end, premium vodka. And just wave a bottle of Vermouth over the glass.

6. Always garnish…olives, lemon peel, tipsy onions; maybe a lime peel for a gimlet. It's like putting the period on the end of a sentence.