Essential. Party? Gin Martinis are essential. Forget the vodka. A vodka martini is like a blowup doll compared to the real thing. Obsessive? Sure, but that's what a martini is all about. Have a beer if you feel relaxed.

A martini is a like a sip of a cold moutain lake which will completely force quit any remaining stress from your week and launch you into high revelry. One is recommended. Two is the limit. Three? get thee to a pizzaria quick.....

We don't like most cocktail shakers: too big, too angular, to cheesy. We found this one years ago at Dean & Deluca and haven't seen it again until today at BarStore.com. Compact at 8 oz., rounded edges and a clean, classic shape, it fits into your hands comfortably and stores easily. Most people don't have these. We like that. Only $7.65 at Barstore.com. MGR

MARTINI LINKS