A Martini with Caorunn Gin

This is another high quality Scottish gin. It’s made in Balmenach, a distillery located in the whisky heartlands of Speyside. The flavour profile is unusual and refreshing, with locally foraged botanicals including rowan berries and heather. It also contains bog myrtle, which stood out in particular for me, giving it a flavour reminiscent of Swedish akvavit. The gin is distilled in small batches in a … Continue reading A Martini with Caorunn Gin

Physalis – my (second) Favourite Martini Fruit

My favourite martini fruit will always be a good quality lemon. Let’s get that out of the way right now. Unless we’re talking about lemons, or the (let’s be honest: somewhat lower deck) world of fruity cocktails, martinis and fruit tend not to mix very often. Sometimes there’s grapefruit, lime or orange peel – the citrus world is certainly compatible as a garnish for gin. … Continue reading Physalis – my (second) Favourite Martini Fruit

A Spicy Martini with Seaweed Hot Sauce

There is something deeply tantalising about the way a spicy martini whets your appetite. I think it goes especially well if the martini is to be followed by seafood, especially shellfish. You can make a spicy martini with all sorts of hot sauces, including Tabasco or Sriracha, but I cannot think of a more perfect hot sauce to use for a pre-seafood aperitif than this … Continue reading A Spicy Martini with Seaweed Hot Sauce