A cocktail that bridges time and tastes, Ben's Martini, is the latest signature delight at the Benjamin Hollywood. It takes its name from Ben Shenassafar, the co-owner of the Hollywood gathering spot. Shenassafar, who's also behind the popular streetwear brand The Hundreds, wanted to create a signature cocktail that merged tradition and modernity in line with the establishment's vibe.

"Ben's Martini encapsulates The Benjamin Hollywood," Shenassafar asserts, "It's like a classic movie playing in a state-of-the-art theater. We chose Monkey 47 gin, my personal favorite, for the depth and richness it brings. The finishing touch of lemon oil gives it that bright, refreshing note." 

Each serving of Ben's Martini is accompanied by a side of homemade potato chips, a personal touch straight from Shenassafar's time studying in Spain. "The chips add a nostalgic touch," he elaborates, "just like the small bag of chips you'll get with every beer in Spain. It makes the entire experience feel more special. Isn’t a crunchy, salty snack the perfect pairing with a fancy drink?"

The cocktail's heritage traces back to the late 19th century when the Martini, as we now know it - a blend of dry gin and dry vermouth - was established. Over time, a heavier gin pour began to dominate, culminating mid-century led by luminaries like James Bond and Winston Churchill. The latter famously enjoyed a Martini without a hint of vermouth. The pendulum has swung back in recent years, with the dry martini still favored but in varying ratios. A dry Martini is typically a ratio of 5:1 or 3:1 gin-to-vermouth, sometimes with a dash of bitters. 

Ben's Martini, while leaning towards the drier side, stands out for its use of aromatic gin and vermouth. A blend of 47 unique botanicals goes into the widely celebrated Monkey 47 Gin making it rich and complex, with a citrusy finale. 

The addition of Noilly Prat dry vermouth further enhances this variation. Known for its unusual aging process and deep oxidation, it adds an almost nutty, sherry-like quality to the cocktail. In small doses, it complements the aromatics of the Monkey 47 gin brilliantly. 

To round off, there's an expressed lemon twist garnish that ties together all the diverse flavors. The resulting concoction is a classic Martini with modern flair. So just as Ben does, remember to savor it alongside top-notch potato chips.

The recipe for a perfect Ben's Martini goes as follows:

3 ounces of Monkey 47 Gin; 1/4 ounce of Noilly Prat Original Dry vermouth; A twist of lemon for garnish.

Combine the gin and dry vermouth in a mixing glass filled with ice, and stir well until chilled. Strain into a small coupe glass, and garnish with a gracefully expressed lemon twist. Enjoy it, as it should, with a side of homemade chips.