Vodka doesn’t have much flavor, but the Vermouth adds a nice touch. Most Vermouth is crap, though and has a sharp edge. The Dolin Dry is more floral: www.bittersandbottles.com/…/dolin-vermouth-dry

As for shaking, it’s a matter of taste. Vigorous shaking in a covered shaker with crushed ice breaks small shards into tiny crystals. These quickly melt, though, so it’s really the very first taste where it’s a bit tingly.

Toss in 3 large green olives with garlic or pimento and it’s a pretty decent, hard to mess up drink that anyone can make at home.