Shaking: Simultaneously mixing while chilling ingredients.
Here's how: Fill cocktail shaker about three-quarters full of ice, leaving room for ingredients to move around inside. Hold shaker with one hand on top and the other on base; give sharp, snappy shakes until container feels icy. Serve immediately to prevent dilution.
Rimming: Decorating edge of glass for taste and visual appeal.
Here's how: Start with well-chilled martini glass. Moisten about 1/4 inch (5 mm) down edge of glass with wedge of lemon or other fruit, or wet with water or liqueur. Dip into plate of commercial rimming sugar, superfine sugar, salt, crushed cookie crumbs, finely grated dark chocolate or whatever else tickles your fancy. (Avoid pairing citrus fruit with dairy-based drinks because it may cause curdling.)
Twist: Rind of lemon, lime or orange used to flavour rim of glass, then dropped in.
Here's how: With paring knife (or citrus stripper), peel away strip of citrus skin, avoiding white pith.
Wheel: Circular slice of lemon, lime, orange or apple dropped into drink or partially cut and hung over side of glass.
Here's how: Slice fruit crosswise into thin circles, removing any seeds.
Dessert martini recipes your guests will love:
• Cappuccino Martini (featured in image above)
• Chocolate Brownie Martini
• Oatmeal Cookie Martini
• Orange Cream Martini
• Pineapple Upside-Down Martini
• Candy Apple Martini
• Coconut Lime Pie Martini
• Chocolate Mint Martini
