“Oppenheimer,” the Christopher Nolan blockbuster that premiered last week, is a film filled with intriguing details that go beyond the main storyline. One such detail is the inclusion of Robert Oppenheimer’s famous martini, which serves as an Easter egg for fans of influential physicists.
Oppenheimer, known as the father of the atomic bomb, was renowned for his strong martinis, which he made with a unique touch. He would dip the rims of chilled glasses in a mixture of lime juice and honey, creating a signature flourish. This interesting tidbit about Oppenheimer’s drinking preferences is chronicled in the Pulitzer Prize-winning book “American Prometheus” by Kai Bird and Martin Sherwin, which served as the basis for the movie.
In a pivotal scene, Nolan incorporates Oppenheimer’s martini without explicitly referencing its significance. Oppenheimer, portrayed by Cillian Murphy, is seen in the kitchen during a dinner party with his friend and colleague. As they engage in a conversation about passing along classified information, viewers might miss the action taking place in the background. Some might question why Oppenheimer is dipping coupe glasses into a mysterious dark liquid.
The movie provides a glimpse into Oppenheimer’s penchant for strong martini. Accounts of his drinking habits suggest that he preferred a drier blend due to the difficulty of obtaining vermouth at Los Alamos. The Los Alamos National Laboratory, where Oppenheimer played a crucial role, even features a recipe for his martini on its website. The recipe calls for four ounces of gin, a dash of vermouth, and dipping the rim of the chilled glass in honey and lime juice.
Oppenheimer’s martinis were known for their strength, with witnesses claiming he used only a small amount of vermouth, sometimes as little as a droplet. The ratio of gin to vermouth in his martini is an impressive 16-to-1, far higher than the typical ratios of 2 to 1 or 3 to 1. Even President Franklin D. Roosevelt, known for his love of martinis, rarely went beyond seven to one.
Apart from being strong, Oppenheimer’s martinis were also famous for their chilly temperature. Attendees of his gatherings during the Manhattan Project era attested to the delicious and coldest martinis he served. This was a stark contrast to the concoction consumed by other workers at Los Alamos, which consisted of lab alcohol mixed with grapefruit juice and chilled with dry ice.
Oppenheimer also had a preferred method for making his martinis: shaking them with elaborate ceremony. He often accompanied his drinks with a toast: “To the confusion of our enemies.” From a scientific perspective, I decided to recreate Oppenheimer’s martini. I followed the Los Alamos recipe, chilling coupe glasses in the refrigerator, and using a mixture of honey and lime juice to rim-dip. As a twist, I opted for a heavier amount of honey to enhance its adherence to the glass.
The resulting drink, which I dubbed the “Oppen-tini,” is a cold and strong concoction. With a ratio of 16-to-1 gin to vermouth, it offers a simple yet refreshing taste. The honey-lime rim adds a delightful sweet-tart flavor that complements the primarily gin-based martini.
It’s worth noting that Oppenheimer’s martini is larger than the average modern cocktail recipe, which typically calls for no more than 3 ounces of total liquor. Multiple servings of Oppie’s martini can easily lead to an enjoyable but potent experience. So, if you’re a fan of very cold gin, be cautious not to get Oppen-hammered with this martini.
Overall, the inclusion of Oppenheimer’s martini in “Oppenheimer” showcases the attention to detail and creativity that Christopher Nolan brings to his films. It’s a small yet significant element that adds depth to the character of the renowned scientist.
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