Shaken Not Stirred : A Celebration of the Martini
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (04 June, 1997)
list price: $10.00 -- our price: $8.00
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Reviews (11)

Really fun read...
This is a great little book.It has great martini recipes as well as martini-stories from the authors and others... martini lore, history.Totally fun if your into the martini thing.

The recipes were fun and interesting..some a bit too esoteric for me...but I liked reading them anyway.And like that they are interspersed with the text instead of in a separate recipe section.There are some fun martini quotes too..

The only drawback, I think, and its minor..is that I just hate the feel of the paper.The cover is fine but the pages feel cheap and grainy to me. Harsh, even...It may be a pleasure to read but it isnt really one to hold.Seems to me a smoother paper would be better, altho probably alot more expensive.

That said...its a fun fun book.Easy to read, in a fiction way, as opposed to a non-fiction way.It has flow sometimes lacking in non-fiction.

Shake shake shake, shake shake shake...
...shake your 'tini?

I was pleased to receive this book recently as a gift and couldn't wait to peel back the front cover and begin seeing what it had in stock for me.The book was a perfect companion as I'd just gotten a set of 4 martini glasses and a shaker/strainer and was eager to put them to good use.But since my nose was too buried in this concise little text, I didn't have any need for the hardware yet.Since "Shaken Not Stirred" also offered conventional and more modern drink recipies - in an effective layout - I was perfectly willing to go back to it to look up a couple of drink recipes once I'd read up on my background info on the drink.I feel like I am now a true martini aficianado and much better informed!

The book was put together by the authors of a website by the same name, who launched their site on Halloween of '95.Soon, they had gotten many suggestions to put the book together - and it turned out to be an unqualified hit.There are many reasons to like this book, it's easy to read and the words flow, plus its something I'd want to read more than once.But perhaps my favorite part about this original idea for a book (it purports to be the first bar book expressly dedicated to the martini, and backs it up by research done by the publisher) is that it's not just a recipe book or just a list of bars.In other words, all you probably ever need to know in a tight little package.It was also neat finding out I'd already visited some of their best "martini lounges" in my city within the pages, but was eager to try the places I hadn't heard of.I'd recommend this volume to anyone interested in mixing their own drinks, or even wanting to learn a little bit more behind the whole martini or "Swingers" culture.

Now then, care for a cocktail?;)

Dean Martin would be proud!!!!!
I don't consider myself to be a big drinker, but the Martini is so cool and this book represents it in every aspect. It's just a really cool book to leave around the apartment so people can spy it when they drop by. I'm going to find one of those Martini lounges! ... Read more

Isbn: 0062734881
Sales Rank: 44155
Subjects:  1. Alcoholic beverages    2. Bartending    3. Beverages - Bartending    4. Beverages - Wine & Spirits    5. Martinis    6. Cooking / Wine    7. Martinis    8. Cooking / Wine & Spirits    9. Cocktails    10. Liquors   

The Best 50 Martinis (Best 50)
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (01 March, 1999)
list price: $5.95 -- our price: $5.35
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Reviews (3)

A bit disappointing.
The book is tiny, with cheap binding and mediocre photos. It won't last long around a wet space like a bar. As for the recipes themselves, they are just the standards. Ho hum.

Maybe as a gift with a shaker?
I can only see this being a good book if given as part of a *martini-themed* gift basket...On the other hand the book *shaken not stirred* is much more fun, useful and informative...

The recipes here are good, but standard...nothing to warrent an entire book, really.It would look attractive, tho, as part of a gift set...so its kind of a mixed bag.

If your looking for a book for yourself...a first martini book with recipes, tips, sayings and martini lore, go with the other one i mentioned.

Spend a few extra dollars on a book that is worth it
I puchased this book at the same time as a martini shaker and thought it would be a good companion to my new shaker and glasses.

This books is very small, flimsy and posseses a lot less than than can be found at a basic drink website....the book is cheap BUT it is worth about $2, thats it.In looking through this book, I felt like I could have put together something better written, more informative, and thorough in about 2 hours sitting at the computer.

There are some good recipes in the book but most of them are variations of the same martini.I would recommend skipping this book and buying one of the other drink/martini books that cost a few $ more. ... Read more

Isbn: 1558672176
Sales Rank: 143801
Subjects:  1. Beverages - Bartending    2. Beverages - Wine & Spirits    3. Cooking    4. Cooking / Wine    5. Martinis    6. Reference   

The Bartender's Best Friend: A Complete Guide to Cocktails, Martinis, and Mixed Drinks
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (21 October, 2002)
list price: $19.95 -- our price: $13.57
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Reviews (5)

Good Drinks Good Fun!
This is a good book for people who want to know how to mix drinks and how to mix them well. It also has some non-alcholic mixes for the kids parties and stuff! And the cover is water proof and has a place keeping ribbon too!

Very good!
Got this book and was immediately impressed by the loads of recipes. However, there are some good ones missing and some of the recipes are tinkered with a bit (as most are), but that's just nitpicking. Overall an outstanding recipe book! Well worth the price!

a great bartender's guide
Liked this so much I got one for myself and one for my daughter, an aspiring bartender.The Regans are truly experts and writers, a rare combination.Buy a copy and enjoy the presentation as well as the recipes. ... Read more

Isbn: 0471227218
Sales Rank: 30877
Subjects:  1. Bartending    2. Beverages - Bartending    3. Cocktails    4. Cooking    5. Cooking / Wine    6. Cooking / Bartending    7. Spirits & cocktails   

Oneida Cocktail Shaker
Average Customer Review:
Kitchen
list price: $25.00 -- our price: $19.99
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Editorial Review

James Bond himself probably has a cool cocktail shaker just like this one in his home (although we've never actually seen his home, have we?). Standing 8-1/2 inches tall with the cap on, this bright and shiny Oneida cocktail shaker is made of durable and tasteful 18/8 stainless steel, with a special hand-polished finish that won't tarnish or corrode. It comes with a lifetime warranty, so martinis can be shaken, not stirred, as often as you like. It's also dishwasher-safe, for removing incriminating fingerprints. --Doree Armstrong ... Read more

Features

• Comes with a lifetime warranty
• Made of durable 18/8 stainless steel
• Ultra-shiny hand-polished finish won't tarnish or corrode
• Stylish and functional appearance; dishwasher-safe
• 8-1/2 inches tall

Reviews (13)

The incredible shrinking shaker!
Bought this as a gift for a friend.Am buying a different one as a gift for the same friend.There is a basic design flaw as most materials shrink when exposed to cold temperatures.The lid fits INTO the base of the shaker.Fill it with ice and cold gin and the base shrinks.Thus the lid is STUCK.You have to wait for the ice to melt and the base to warm up in order to pull off the top.That seriously cuts into the number of martinis one can consume in an evening.Not worth the under twenty bucks price.

To paraphrase Freud....
Sometimes a cocktail shaker is just a cocktail shaker! Which describes this simple and elegant solution to martini making. It's stainless steel, and (surprise!) it does get cold during proper use. Has a convenient built in strainer and you can crank out the martinis at a feverish pace. Looks nice just sitting on the bar, too. It's the epitome of the basic-yet-functional 20 buck cocktail shaker. Salud!

Great for Casual Home use
I bought this a month ago for home use, and find it fabulous.My only complaint and reason for giving it 4 stars is that it is a little bit large and therefore you can't just fill it up on something like a Margarita or you'll have too much sour.I wouldn't want to use this at work!And, being myself a bartender, I would like to say that I have used a good number of different shakers, and have never seen one that had a lid that just popped off, shakers don't do this.Lids stick because the air inside compresses due to the cold and seals the lid tightly.I have also never seen one that screwed off.It is impractical anyways, it is not hard to see if you're on or off.Anywho, hope this is helpful.Happy shaking! ... Read more

Asin: B00004RC5K
Subjects:  1. Spirits    2. Martinis    3. Cocktail Shakers    4. Barware    5. (Bar Ware)    6. Bartending    7. Kitchen    8. Dining   

Spiegelau Vino Grande Martini Glasses, Set of 6
Average Customer Review:
Kitchen
list price: $75.00 -- our price: $44.99
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Editorial Review

Martinis aren't for everyone, but martini glasses are a must-have for anyone who entertains. Though the shape and balance of the glass makes the ideal, classic presentation for the timeless martini, these glasses are also perfect for Cosmopolitans, Manhattans, and a vast array of popular cocktails. Beyond beverages, martini glasses are also a trendy serving piece for appetizers such as shrimp cocktail or seafood ceviche. The elegantly designed glasses are made of crystal, though with everyday durability in mind. We recommend hand washing, just to be safe. --Cynthia Nims ... Read more

Features

• Made in Germany
• Designed for martinis, but great for a wide variety of cocktails
• Six crystal glasses with classic lines and timeless appeal
• Each glass stands 7 inches high, with sturdy base and graceful stem
• Glasses hold a generous 7.5 ounces of liquid

Reviews (12)

Unbroken & Beautiful!
No breakage problem here!The glasses were individually wrapped in tissue AND bubblewrap.The manufacturer's box was then bubblewrapped and placed in a larger Amazon box with air-cushions for further protection.I'd say Amazon has solved the breakage problem very well!

And what gorgeous martini glasses they are!Perfectly proportioned, heavy, and ring nicely when gently struck.Worth every penny and then some!

BTW, I got them next day for only $3.99 shipping thanks to Amazon Prime.I highly recommend it!

Here's my favorite Martini recipe to accompany these fine glasses:

2 oz Bombay Gin (no cheap substitutes, please!)
1 oz Martini & Rossi Extra Dry Vermouth
1 or 2 pemento-stuffed olives

Keep the gin in the freezer and the vermouth in the refridgerator so you don't have to pour them over ice in a shaker to cool them.Simply pour each into a Spieglau Vino Grande glass, add the olive (pick optional) and enjoy!

Beautiful glasses...why wouldn't they wrap them better
The other reviewers are too kind...what good are beautiful glasses if only 3 of 6 arrive unbroken...I just don't get it, why wouldn't they wrap them better. They are put in a box with dividers, with no more than one thin piece of wrapping paper around each one. I bought these as a wedding present for a friend...some gift, how embassasing to give him 3 martini glasses because the rest had been broken...

Beautiful glasses, so elegance & sophisticated
I just received two sets today and was amazed how beautiful these glasses are.

Even though each glass has its own compartment, Spiegelau needs to do a better job in packing their glasses in the their own box.Each glass is only wrapped with a couple of thin sheets of paper and it is sit loosely in each compartment.Amazon's packaging is a little better but they need to mark outside "FRAGILE".A drop of the box and the glasses inside will break just like that.

All and all, I'm pretty happy with these glasses and can't wait to get the replacements.I want to entertain some friends with martinis before the summer is over. And because martini doesn't taste like a martini if it is not serviced in a martini glass. ... Read more

Asin: B00004SUIC
Subjects:  1. Spirits    2. Cocktails    3. Spiegelau Vino Grande Martini Glasses, Set of 6    4. Stemware    5. Glasses    6. (Stem Ware)    7. Barware    8. (Bar Ware)    9. Glassware    10. (Glass Ware)    11. Bartending    12. Drinkware    13. (Drink Ware)    14. Bar Glasses   

Anchor Hocking 5-Piece Martini Gift Set
Average Customer Review:
Kitchen
list price: $42.00 -- our price: $29.99
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Editorial Review

Pleasingly retro, this five-piece martini set comprises ashaker and four big martini glasses, all with a curvy ribbed designthat recalls the sophisticated supper clubs of Sinatra's early years.The 8-inch-tall shaker comes with a lustrous chrome strainer top andcap for dripless shaking and holds 18-1/2 ounces, enough for creatingtwo martinis at once. The 10-ounce glasses stand 7 inches high. Bothshaker and glasses are dishwasher-safe. --Fred Brack ... Read more

Features

• Dishwasher-safe
• Set comprises 18-1/2-ounce shaker and four 10-ounce martini glasses
• Delightful retro pattern: curvy soft-rib design integrates shaker, glasses
• Shaker has chrome strainer top and cap for dripless shaking
• Shaker stands 8 inches high, glasses 7 inches

Reviews (14)

Better than "stirring" a martini.
This is not the Martini set for Martini "fanatics" but for someone who wants to whip up a couple and have "correct" glassware its really not bad.

I based my rating of four stars mostly on function and price. The shaker works well enough. It is necessary to get the top correctly fitted on the lower glass. Since this shaker is made of glass there is a rubber gasket at the top that keeps the setup from leaking. This makes the large top (not the cap for the pourer) a bit difficult to remove and replace if your not careful. Once you've done it a few times it becomes much easier.

The glasses are reasonably strong (actually a bit heavy) for stemware. They are very large (will take up shelf space) but a shaker divided four ways is about right (Martinis shouldn't really be "sloshing" in the glass).

This is not the prettiest set under the sun. The glass is okay but certainly not top end. Much more of a casual or outdoor set than something for a high end cocktail party.

Long story short this is a relatively easy to use, low cost, martini set that will let you make better martini's than if you tried to mix them in a typical cocktail glass.

Tip of the day: Vermouth counts nearly as much as the Gin or Vodka ... don't cheap out you'll regret it.

Great starter set for the price!
Compared to all the other martini sets I've seen for around this price, nothing even comes to close to the quality or the amount of items you get.For 4 glasses and a good shaker, I would expect to pay a lot more for these high quality items...especially since most of the shakers I've seen are very flimsy and this one is definitely heavy duty!I have not had the leaking problems or opening problems that some of the other reviewers had.Maybe they don't close the cap tight enough?I also hadn't had any problems with breakage.I've had this set for over a year now and it's been great!I also think size of glasses is perfect and our martinis come out perfect.And the bee-hive design is so hip!

You get what you pay for
My husband and I purchased this around the holidays.It was a great way to have a martini party, relatively inexpensive.However, the shaker leaks and the glasses are very fragile.While washing the dishes, I broke two of the glasses, from the stem.If you are prone to breaking things, either buy a heavy duty set or plastic martini glasses.This may not be the set for you. ... Read more

Asin: B0000630OD
Subjects:  1. Cocktail Shakers    2. Barware    3. (Bar Ware)    4. Bartending    5. Drinkware    6. (Drink Ware)    7. Bar Glasses    8. Glassware   

Jubilee Acrylic Martini Picks, Set of 6
Average Customer Review:
Kitchen
list price: $9.99
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Editorial Review

A martini wouldn't be a martini without an olive garnish--and what better way to pick the olive than with an acrylic pick that sports a mini martini glass with its own olive!The little plastic cocktail sits atop the pick, giving the stick both balance and aesthetic appeal. The pick is just the right length for stirring and rests neatly in the glass for all to see. And for those who don't care for olives, there's finally a perfect cover-up. --Marcela Broussard ... Read more

Features

• Made in the USA
• Six martini picks for your martini glass set
• Acrylic
• Each measures 4-3/4 inches long
• Dishwasher-safe

Reviews (9)

Love these!
These are just adorable and fun to use.A good length and sturdy enough for general use.And the price is totally right!You can buy multiple sets without breaking the bank. A big plus.They are martini-ish enough to be really fun without being over the top...

I have a few sets that I love.I considered buying them for a friend as well...but he doenst usually drink classis martinis.I just thought the whole *olive theme* might be out of place in an apple martini...or a melon martini etc.

I don't think you can go wrong with these, for the price.

Silly, and wouldn't use for an "elegant" setting, but cool
Spear your olives with these beauties (unless you use olives with pits like I normally do) adn serve up some chilled beautiful martinis for your friends.Olive picks that look better than toothpicks, but I'm not sure if you'd want to use them for a formal cocktail reception - but then, you might! Give in to fun, goldurnit, and get yourself a set of these.

THE PERFECT ACCESSORY
These are really cool martini picks - and I mean they look cool, a perfect accompaniment for a chilled martini.

With a little imagination we've found many other uses for them as well - for hors d'oeuvres, dipping berries in sugar, etc.

Their design fits well with a formal table or more casual dining.Handsome and handy, I'd say! ... Read more

Asin: B00004SW3J
Subjects:  1. Bartending    2. Cocktails    3. Martinis    4. Olive Picks    5. Bar Tools    6. Bar Accessories    7. Barware    8. (Bar Ware)   

If the cocktail hour is your favorite time of day, you owe it to yourself to invest in one of these little beauties. Not only does it look appropriately stylish, but the performance is topnotch. The stainless-steel straining plate has smaller and fewer holes than common strainers, and the result is less pulp and ice chips, and more pure taste. The generous size makes this a nice substitute for a microphone if you feel suddenly possessed to honor your guests with "That's Amore"--you never know when the spirits will move you. --Jill Lightner ... Read more

Features

• Perfect for creating those shaken-not-stirred beverages
• 18/10 stainless steel
• 8 inches by 4 inches
• Dishwasher-safe

Asin: B00004S4V3
Subjects:  1. Bar Tools    2. Bar Accessories    3. Barware    4. (Bar Ware)    5. Bartending   

Toast to good weather with this striking martini glass from Block Crystal, imported from Poland. Inspired by showery skies, the distinctive frosted design of Rainy Day stemware looks dazzling on any occasion. Crafted in unleaded glass, the elegant blue texture shakes and stirs up the classic martini with style. Make a splash at a party with a drizzle of vermouth in vodka or gin in this special glass or for any variety of cocktails, especially daiquiris or a mai tai with a dash of Curacao. The glass is a superb gift for martini devotees who appreciate fine sipping, and coordinates with other items in the collection. Washing by hand is recommended. --Roberta Cruger ... Read more

Features

• Made in Poland
• Classical shaped martini glass
• Nonleaded glass
• Frosted glass with blue accent; coordinating items available
• Hand washing recommended

Asin: B0000DG9FC
Subjects:  1. Stemware    2. Glasses    3. (Stem Ware)    4. Barware    5. (Bar Ware)    6. Glassware    7. (Glass Ware)    8. Bartending    9. Drinkware    10. (Drink Ware)    11. Bar Glasses   

Created by International Radius, this 6-piece martini set makes a fashionable addition to the home bar or the holiday stemware collection. The 6-ounce glasses feature four jewel tones--topaz, rose, pale green, and sapphire--that liven up cocktail hour in any season. They rest in C-shaped hooks while the 18-ounce, mirror-finish, stainless steel shaker nestles in a ring at the center. Gleaming with nickel plating, the circular carrier combines stability with flair for easy glamour at the table or graceful transport with one hand. The piece measures 13 inches in diameter and has a comfortable black plastic handle. Washing by hand is recommended.--Emily Bedard ... Read more

Features

• Rests stable and carries easily
• 6-piece martini set for serving elegant cocktails
• Includes 4 6-ounce glasses in topaz, rose, green, and sapphire
• Also with 18-ounce stainless-steel shaker and nickel-plated carrier
• Washing by hand recommended for all pieces

Asin: B0000DBKS9
Subjects:  1. Bar Sets    2. Barware    3. (Bar Ware)    4. Bartending    5. Kitchen    6. Dining    7. Glassware    8. Drinkware