Perfect, Pat. Just perfect.
That's exactly how it's done! All that does is give the cat a means of getting to the olive without drinking the gin. (Seriously. My brother's cat will resort to drinking a martini if he has to in order to get himself an olive. It's not pretty.)
Now that's what u call a 'cool cat'.! (couldn't resist!!!)
I used to bartend at a restaurant and for 'some people' who live near Camp David( if they saw you making it some other way, they would inform u; no change on your part led to not being asked back and missing out on the easiest $3-400 for a 2 hour period)-Pat has nailed the classic recipe for a martini. the only step i add is ice and water to the martini glass so it is chilled by the time the drink is made.
Noted Spanish director Luis Bunuel was a noted martini drink and he always used bitters. According to his autobiography, place ice in a pitcher, add a splash of bitters, stir and drain, then continue on with the preparation of gin and vermouth.
Nice job, Pat. I learned to barkeep at a country club and learned early on the traditional compositions of martinis, old fashioneds, manhattans and the like. When I hear an order for an Appletini I have to force myself not to sneer in the offender's general direction.
if it's a female, no big deal; however if male, call the metrosexual police!
marty