Ever wanted to know how to make the perfect martini? As part of a new series, every Friday ICON will be talking to one of our favourite mixologists, bar owners and experts on all things drinks to learn how to make their signature drink.

It’s been said that a gentleman or gentlewoman should find a signature drink and learn how to make it perfectly. That way, if they ever entertain they’re always prepared to keep their guests well refreshed.

Our first is a classic – the martini. Easy to drink, notoriously difficult to make and perfect and the drink of James Bond himself. Who better to show us how it’s done than Miss Martini herself.

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Ana Page aka Miss Martini. Image: Myles Kalus.

NAME

Hi, I’m Ana Page aka Miss Martini.

WHERE DO YOU WORK?

I moonlight at various venues. I create and oversee the cocktail list for Manta Bar & Restaurant, and I’m also working at the recently relaunched Piccolo Bar helmed by David Spanton, Publisher of Bartender Magazine. 

WHAT MADE YOU WANT TO BECOME A MIXOLOGIST? 

My fascination with botanicals started early, and the glamour of mixing sealed the deal. Maurice Terzini (then of Otto in Woolloomooloo) pushed me behind the bar one shift and that was it! 

I’m currently in the process of making my own organic Chardonnay, Rosé and spirit over the coming months. I’m working with one of Sydney’s best sommeliers to develop these, Shun Eto. Watch this space!

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That is how a perfect martini looks: delicious. Image: Emma Read.

WHAT WAS THE FIRST DRINK YOU EVER LEARNT TO MAKE? 

A martini, for Bryan Ferry. Gin martini with a twist. 

WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE COCKTAIL TO DRINK? 

Martini’s. Anytime, anywhere. I take mine not too wet (meaning not too much vermouth – I like to control the flavour), really smoothed out with a hint of lemon bitters and a fresh lemon twist.

FAVOURITE LIQUOR TO WORK WITH? 

I love everything from aperitivos to digestives, but if I had to pick a favourite it would be vermouths. They really bring life to any spirit. It’s also delicious over ice on their own. 

WHAT’S YOUR SIGNATURE DRINK TO MAKE? 

They don’t call me Miss Martini for nothing! Outside of that, a great Tommy’s Margarita and a Reverse Martini (more vermouth than gin). 

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Garnished with a lemon zest. Image: Emma Read.

YOU’RE GOING TO SHOW US HOW TO MAKE ONE OF YOUR OWN FAMOUS MARTINIS – WHAT DO WE NEED, AND HOW DO YOU MAKE IT? 

A martini is three ingredients – ice, gin (or vodka if you prefer) and a beautiful dry vermouth. I like Noilly Prat, Dolin or Regal Rogue Daring Dry White Vermouth. Some might say ice isn’t an ingredient but here, it’s the part that makes the magic of a really good martini. So don’t skip it!

I take a Boston Glass full of ice, I pour my spirit in (60mls), and gently stir in amongst the ice for two minutes. I add eight to 20mls of vermouth in a chilled coupette separately, and swirl it around the glass to coat. Then I pour in the spirit and add 1 drop of lemon bitters and garnish with lemon zest. 

Ana will be hosting a martini making course in the coming weeks. If you’re keen on learning from the master herself, follow her on Instagram at @razorcheekbones1