What Does It Mean To Drink A Martini Straight Up?

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.

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. The wide, shallow bowl of a martini glass is not just for show; it allows the drink to maintain its cold temperature sans ice while amplifying the nuanced aromas of the gin or vodka and vermouth for a total sensory sipping experience. Regardless of whether you prefer your martini shaken or stirred, chill it well before straining to ensure that it's cold enough to enjoy without ice. Combine your liquid ingredients in your cocktail shaker first, and add the ice just before you shake or stir the combination to maximize chill and minimize dilution. Using frozen vodka or gin and a chilled martini glass can also facilitate cool, refreshing sips without ice.

To prevent shards of ice from disrupting the texture of your martini, consider double straining, or opt for a fine mesh variety specifically made for cocktails, which can avoid double straining entirely. Et voilà — a flawless martini served straight up. Now that you've perfected some essential martini lingo and put it into action, you'll need to brush up on the proper martini olive.