A Dirty Martini with lemon olives
A zesty version to lift your dirty martini. Continue reading A Dirty Martini with lemon olives
Author: themartinisocialist
The Hot and Dirty Martini
Grrrrrrrrrrr This is a very simple variation on the classic martini, and its obviously got a very arresting name. I first had a hot and dirty martini at the Mermaid Inn in New York. It’s an excellent aperitif as it really gets your digestive juices churning. It’s perfect before a special dinner, whether it’s Sunday lunch, seafood, a romantic meal for two or … Continue reading The Hot and Dirty Martini
A garnish like the wings of Hermes
Okay so the title may sound a little bit melodramatic. Nonetheless, I like the style of this simple lemon garnish. I first saw it in the Skylon bar in London’s southbank. It’s very easy to put together. Once you’ve squeezed your lemon peel into the martini glass (remember why this is important) cut it into an elongated diamond shape. Cut a long slit … Continue reading A garnish like the wings of Hermes
Asparagus skewers to accompany a martini
This is dead easy. Asparagus is tasty and a bit of a luxury so it naturally pairs well with a martini. I love its distinctive flavour, visual appeal and most of all, its satisfying fresh and crunchy texture. My brother and I were having a martini before dinner, but after we had drunk the first one we really just wanted to have … Continue reading Asparagus skewers to accompany a martini
How to make a classic martini
This is the simplest guide to making the best classic martini. You Will Need -Gin/vodka -Vermouth -A fresh lemon -Martini glasses In Advance -Put the bottle of gin/vodka in the freezer for at least 8 hours. -Rinse the martini glasses under a tap and put them in the freezer for at least 30 minutes. -Note that I keep my gin and glasses in the freezer … Continue reading How to make a classic martini
What to do if you find martinis too strong
Don’t worry, this is a common problem, and there are several options that you might find appealing. Quality First of all, make sure you’re using good quality ingredients. A poor quality gin or vodka will taste bad whatever you do to it in a martini. There is no soft drink to tone it down or mask the quality. Temperature Is the drink cold enough? It … Continue reading What to do if you find martinis too strong
A Basil and Lemon Martini (and other herbal infusions)
I hate waste. If I leave my flat for an extended period of time (a fortnight for example) I can’t stand the thought of anything going off or out of date and I hate throwing things out. I might pickle certain things, like any leftover cucumber to make Japanese Tsukemono. Otherwise, with my herbs I do what naturally comes to mind. I stick them in alcohol. … Continue reading A Basil and Lemon Martini (and other herbal infusions)
The Tsukemono Gibson Martini
“Tsukemono Gibson sounds like some sort of Bond Girl.” This is a very simple variation on the classic, elegant Gibson Martini. The only difference is that instead of a pickled onion garnish I’m using a gentler, more subtle addition: Japanese Tsukemono pickles. I served a Gibson martini with Tsukemono as an accompaniment once which is what gave me the idea These pickles are easy to make (recipe … Continue reading The Tsukemono Gibson Martini
Man’s best friend: the perfect martini partner
What do I love more than martinis? Dogs. I have previously mentioned the importance of company when drinking a martini. And what better company could you have than man’s best friend? Although they’re not too good at handling their booze. Meanwhile, I am less fond of cats. But if the neighbour’s cat happens to pop round… Who am I … Continue reading Man’s best friend: the perfect martini partner
Bar Arabica, Borough Market, 2/5
A relatively pleasant martini was let down by bad service and poor value for money. It wouldn’t take much to perfect their martini but some of the fundamentally poor elements of the restaurant will be more difficult to rectify. Nestled under a railway arch in Borough Market, I had high hopes for this Levantine restaurant. However, the service wasn’t particularly attentive, the portions … Continue reading Bar Arabica, Borough Market, 2/5
The Martini Socialist 