Finding the best martini in the world

Shaken or stirred? Dry or dirty? Olive or lemon? There are a hundred ways to make a martini, but only one will be crowned the best in the world at an event in London later this month.

The World’s Best Martini Challenge, returning for its second year, seeks to find the ultimate incarnation of the classic gin and vermouth cocktail synonymous with mid-century glamour.

On 16 January, six finalists whittled down from a shortlist of ten by contest founders by Gary Sharp and James Thomas will go head to head in the grand final at Hackney bar and kitchen Oslo.

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Each contender will present a classic and “showcase” martini to an expert judging panel: Anna Sebastian, manager of the Artesian Bar at London’s Langham Hotel, Bar Magazine editor Mark Ludmon and three-time winner of the Bartender of the Year Rich Hunt.

Amateur gin-lovers can purchase a ticket to the event, where, as well as getting the chance to sip on some of the world’s finest cocktails, they will also be able to cast a vote for their favourite.

Last year’s winner, Daffy’s Gin, will be returning to defend its title from five hopeful challengers.

The boutique Highlands distillery sources its botanicals from around the world, including Lebanese mint, Indonesian cassia bark and angelica root from Belgium. Their winning martini formula calls for a dash of orange bitters and a strip of lemon peel.

The other finalists are fellow Highland distiller Arbikie’s AK Gin, herb-infused Lilliput Dorset Gin, Irish “milk gin” Bertha’s Revenge, floral strain Pothercary, and Kororo, which is infused with sansho berries from the Japanese Alps.

World’s Best Martini Challenge co-founder James Thomas said that whittling down the nominees had been an inspiring experience.

“We’ve had the good fortune and privilege to meet lots of friendly and enthusiastic people, dedicated to bringing all manner of gins to the world,” he said.

“This year’s event is going to be a lot of fun and we can’t wait to see what the audience, as well as our line-up of expert judges, decide is The World’s Best Martini of 2018.”

The World’s Best Martini Challenge starts at 7pm on 16 January at Oslo Hackney. Tickets are priced at £15 per person.