PHOTO by ROSHEILA ROBLES

The true test of any bartender is the martini. Exceedingly simple in theory, a good mixologist knows that just a count too much of sweet and sour, an overdose of vermouth, or an overzealous pour of gin or vodka can ruin what is actually an immensely delicate balance of flavors. A martini is simply not the same in every bartender’s hands. Even a straight gin martini can vary greatly (just gin in a chilled martini glass, right?), but once you’ve tasted it done up well, a wise palate learns the difference between one done right, and one done . . . not so much. I visited with trusty longtime Long Beach bartender Syd (working with her equally gorgeous sister, Vickie) at the Reno Room to try a few, knowing that this broad knows how to chill it, shake it, and serve it up: perfectly. My favorite was the German Chocolate Cake Martini. It has only two ingredients: vanilla vodka and Frangelico. (But too much of one or the other knocks the whole drink out of balance.) In Syd’s hands—and she could do this blindfolded on an airplane wing flying through the air—it is utter perfection. A bit of a dessert drink mixed with a splash of can’t-even-taste-any-alcohol! fun, the martini is rimmed with lemon and sugar and goes down dangerously easy. And even if you don’t want something sweet like the German Chocolate Cake Martini, you can ask the tried and true bartenders at Reno Room to whip something else up, and it’s guaranteed to be delectable, and a splendid time will be had by all.

RENO ROOM 3400 E BROADWAY | LONG BEACH 90803 | 562.438.4590

Tags: drinks, german chocolate cake martini, Long Beach, reno room