During a recent Disney Cruise, we participated in the Martini Tasting.  The class is a chance to learn about the history of Martinis, including how they are made, and gives participants a chance to try five different types.  The class costs $25 per person and the amount is charged to your room.  It is important to note that if you would like to do one of these tastings, you should sign up when you check in to your cruise or right away when you board the ship on the first day. 

 

Our tasting was scheduled in the Cadillac Lounge at 4 pm on Day 5 of our cruise, which was at Barbados. 

 

When we arrived in the Lounge, the bar had the various alcohol and mixers used in the tasting available on the bar. 

 

Our table was also set up with the first four drinks.

 

I’ll try to pass along the information we were told in the class with the caveat that I didn’t get a chance to record all the information and know nothing about Martinis.  The class started with the instructor giving a history of the Martini and the various ways it has been made over the years.  The Martini was thought to be developed in the 1860s.  He also talked about the history of the glass, including it being very thin so it could be smashed before the police discovered it during the age of prohibition.  He also discussed some of the terminology used about Martinis.  A “dry” martini is one with no vermouth.  A “dirty” martini has olive juice in it.  “Dirty and filthy” means it has crushed olives in the drink.  A “Gibson” is a martini with a pickled onion instead of an olive.

The first Martini we were served was called a Southern Tip.  It was made with mint, blue agave, and Bombay Sapphire Gin.  I won’t go into what each drink tasted like, because I honestly don’t remember and its very subjective.  (That said, we loved all the drinks!)

The next drink we had was a Pomegranate Passion Martini.  It was made with pomegranate liqueur, champagne, and gin.

 

The fifth martini was called a Coco Cadillac (The DCL Cruise Blog has a recipe) that was made with Pineapple Juice, Malibu Rum, and Vodka.