Bar Term
Perfect
Also known as: balanced
A cocktail made with equal parts sweet (red) and dry (white) vermouth instead of just one type.
The term 'perfect' in bartending doesn't mean flawless - it refers to a specific ratio using equal measures of both sweet and dry vermouth. A Perfect Manhattan or Perfect Martini splits the vermouth component between the two styles, creating a more balanced, nuanced drink. This technique predates the bone-dry Martini trend and offers a middle ground between sweet and dry variations.
💡 Pro Tips
- Use equal parts sweet and dry vermouth
- Try it if you find regular Martinis too dry
- Works beautifully in Manhattans
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Thinking perfect means 'made well'
- Using unequal ratios
- Not specifying to the bartender
