First Martini ever

I had never tasted a martini in my life.  I mean a real, true martini made with just gin and vermouth.  I thought maybe it would be too strong, to bitter, not smooth enough.  After discovering Hendrick's gin, I thought I might be able to tolerate it.

2 oz Hendrick's
1/4 oz Martini dry vermouth

Shaken, with a twist and a small cucumber garnish.

It was delicious.  It was very smooth, and now I understand why this is such a ubiquitous drink.  I look forward to trying various combinations of gin, vermouth, and I recently read somewhere about making a martini with Lillet white rather than dry vermouth.  I'm game.

Salud & cheers!