The Martini Companion: A Connoisseur's Guide by Gary Regan and Mardee Haidin Regan
	(Hardback) Available from:	We believe we have traced the history of the Martini back to its earliest roots in this illustrated guide to the world's most sophisticated cocktail.         The book includes instructions on how to make a perfect Martini; the histories of gin, vodka, and vermouth; Martini variation recipes from across America, and reviews and ratings of over 50 bottlings of gin, vodka, and vermouth.

Some of the Reviews:

"Beginning with a rapturous ode to 'the first Martini of spring,' [the Regans] infuse The Martini Companion with their unbridled enthusiasm for the subject. They often sound like the Stiller-and-Meara of spirits, delighting in the pleasures of Martinis one moment and bickering about proper presentation the next. . . . For those who prefer their Martinis 'just so,' this book breaks the drink down with an alchemist's precision, then builds it up with fanciful prose. . . . The authors explore the well-trod history of the Martini, but what distinguishes the Companion from the general mass of Martini picture books is its extensive collection of tasting notes. The Regans expertly dissect the nuances of a variety of gins, vodkas, vermouths, and apéritif wines, making this the book for the hard-core connoisseur."

--David Lynch, Wine & Spirits

"Stirred or shaken? Olives or a lemon twist? It's all here for the quintessential American cocktail. . ."

--Sam Gugino, The Star Ledger

"This handsome book is a superbly useful guide to the gilded world of the Martini. A must have volume."

--Paul Pacult, The New York Times Magazine

"Perhaps one of the best volumes to-date about the Martini. In this well-crafted examination of the Martini, the Regans take you on an adventure through the history of this classic cocktail. While there are some indications in this book as to the preferences and leanings of what a 'real' Martini should be, there is adequate and appropriate coverage of both Gin and Vodka, as well as an excellent collection of different recipes to try. Be prepared to sit down and read this book from front to back. With of course a nice cold pitcher of Martinis at your side."

--Robert Hess, www.Drinkboy.com

"As slick and cool to look at as the real thing is to sip, the book is a complete guide to 'the world's most elegant cocktail,' with tips and advice on making and serving them. . . [The Regans] unearth details of the cocktail's history that should stir up more debate about what constitutes a true Martini. . . The Regans also offer more than 50 recipes gathered from such temples as New York's Rainbow Room, San Francisco's Johnnie Love's, and Denver's Purple Martini. . . [The Martini Companion] is a perfect addition to any back bar or collection."

--Cheers Magazine

"[This book] opens with a wry account about mixing the perfectly dry Martini. The authors present the case for both shaken and stirred versions, bit it's as clear as a stemmed glass filled with glistening gin that [they] lean toward the stirred approach. Complete with shots of beautiful cocktail shakers, loads of information about the Martini's sometimes quirky role in America's social history--from the flapper era to the present--and other Martini lore, the book also features plenty of tempting recipes if you want to expand on a Martini mixing repertoire."

--David L. Ross, Market Watch

"Here's a don't miss true companion for Martini lovers. . .reflecting the personal idiosyncrasies of anyone who has lifted a glass of this Forever Classic to their lips. How did it all get started? What's the ideal technique: to shake or to stir? How cold should a Martini be? And what are the right proportions of spirit to vermouth? And what is the best spirit, the best vermouth? That you can judge for yourself because the Regans have included a unique listing of tasting notes detailing the nuances of gins, vodkas, and vermouths, as well as apéritif wines."

--Anita Mizner & P.V. Harding, Agenda New York