

A Martini with Pepper
This is probably one of the most simple martini variations I’ve encountered. It’s also surprisingly good. It’s basically a normal martini with freshly ground pepper stirred in. That’s it. I know – it sounds potentially vile. But extensive scientific research* has revealed the truth. You start by making a classic martini with lemon peel. For this variation lemon is more effective than olive. It pairs … Continue reading A Martini with Pepper

A Martini with QVT Gin
This bottle was a lovely gift from my amazing friend Sonia, a stylish and passionate Parisienne with a zest for philosophy, intense debates and seeking out the beautiful truth in life, love and both the brightest and darkest aspects of existence. While I was delighted with the quality of the gin and beautiful flavour profile, I was also surprised by the origin story of its … Continue reading A Martini with QVT Gin

Edamame for your Martini
Edamame or soy beans served lightly boiled and salted in their pods are a traditional drinking snack from Japan and they go beautifully with a martini. They’re even healthy! Continue reading Edamame for your Martini

Martinis for Celiac Disease
This is a guide to gluten-free martini enjoyment. Some martini variations can contain traces of gluten so this should help clarify where you might need to be careful. Continue reading Martinis for Celiac Disease

A Martini with Oum Kalthoum
Enjoy a martini listening to Egypt’s most famous singer of all time, the illustrious, highly influential and incredibly powerful Oum Kalthoum. Continue reading A Martini with Oum Kalthoum

The Champagne Cocktail
An easy recipe for making champagne cocktails at home, using sugar, Angostura bitters, brandy and sparkling wine. Continue reading The Champagne Cocktail

A Martini at Cove Beach, Dubai
Was it the coldest martini I ever had? No. Was it served in nice, conical glassware? Also no. Was it one of the most enjoyable martinis I’ve ever had? Yes – I’d go back in a flash. The Venue Cove beach is a well maintained seafront, pool, lounge and bar area by Caesar’s Palace, not far from the Dubai Marina in the United Arab Emirates. … Continue reading A Martini at Cove Beach, Dubai

Slow roasted leg of lamb
This is a simple recipe to make a slow cooked leg of lamb. You can enjoy a aperitif at the last stage of the preparation while the meat is resting. Continue reading Slow roasted leg of lamb

A Martini on the Rocks at EE-USK in Oban
A review of the excellent seafood restaurant EE-USK in the Scottish Highland town of Oban. Continue reading A Martini on the Rocks at EE-USK in Oban

A Martini with Google Bard
I sat down for a martini and a discussion with Google’s AI programme Bard. I was surprised and intrigued by the results of the conversation. Continue reading A Martini with Google Bard