Why does James Bond drink his martini "shaken, not stirred"?
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A Martini cocktail should not be confused with the spiced wine produced by the Italian company of the same name, Martini & Rossi. The Martini cocktail is one of the aperitifs and usually consists of gin, vodka and dry French vermouth.
Gin, vodka and vermouth are largely clear spirits. According to the classic bartender's view, these should only be stirred and not shaken so that the cocktail does not become cloudy due to air bubbles or splintered ice. Shaken, on the other hand, are only cocktail ingredients that either have a different colour or a different consistency, such as spirits and juices or syrup.
But why does James Bond want it the other way round?
The spirits come together with the ice more intensively due to the fast shaking movements. Since the ice dissolves more quickly this way, the cocktail is ice cold afterwards. In addition, the larger molecules, i.e. the flavour carriers, come to the surface while the alcohol sinks to the bottom. This makes the first sip the most flavourful. And since James Bond is usually in a hurry or cannot stay long due to sudden events, he can at least fully enjoy the first sip.
Shaken Martini is healthier
Shaken martinis contain less hydrogen peroxide than stirred ones. Scientists attribute this to an improved antioxidant effect. The shaken martini is therefore the healthier drink.
