Martinis

Written about, hotly debated, immortalized on the silver screen, savored by playwrights, playboys, and politicians, the martini has become a social icon of sorts.

In Martinis Ben Reed, dubbed "Crown Prince of the Cocktail Crowd", celebrates the elegance and taste of the martini. Although its contents and techniques are often hotly debated, the invention of the Classic Dry Martini has led to the creation of many tantalizing concoctions, including the ever-popular Cosmopolitan, the Gibson, the fruity French, and the delicate Dirty Martini. Ben also offers recipes for a sumptuous Strawberry Martini, a Lemon Grass Martini, and even a strong, clear, Hazelnut Martini that makes a perfect nightcap.

Martinis allows you to indulge in the enduring appeal of this chic, decadent and utterly delicious drink. With great flavors and instant glamour-any time is the right time for Martinis.

William Lingwood's elegant photographs capture the glamour and nostalgia of martinis.

Ben Reed is known worldwide through the phenomenal success of his first Ryland Peters & Small book, Cool Cocktails. Ben Reed has mixed cocktails all over the world. Former bar manager of the fashionable Met Bar and Woody's in London, he now works as a freelance bar-consultant and has made a number of television appearances. His first book, Cool Cocktails(Ryland Peters & Small) has been an international bestseller.