In my opinion, one of the nicest, most simplistic nibbles to accompany a martini is the humble oyster. This mollusc has been consumed for millennia. Sometimes seen as a food for the poor, its reduction in availability over recent decades has led to its rise as a more exclusive culinary luxury. Nonetheless, whatever it’s historically fleeting association with status, I see it as a timeless … Continue reading Oysters: a Timeless Martini Accompaniment
This isn’t a standard martini post but the Gin Monkey very kindly gave me some advice on tonic water for those of you who would like some guidance for making G&Ts. I don’t drink G&Ts very frequently anymore but they were my drink of choice before I discovered the simplistic power of a martini. Her basic rule for tonic is to stay away from artificial … Continue reading Gin and Tonic advice courtesy of @GinMonkeyUK
A martini made the clean and beautiful Martin Miller’s Gin. Continue reading A Martin Miller’s Gin martini
The Ten Bells is one of my favourite pubs in the Shoreditch/City of London area. Victims of Jack the Ripper are reputed to have had their last drink in the establishment, whereas today it is frequented by a horde of almost-hipsters and occasional tourists, and it’s not clear which is more frightening. What it lacks in clientele, however, it makes up for with an interesting … Continue reading Upstairs at the Ten Bells of Spittalfields (London) 4/5
If you drink a martini with someone you have around 30-40 minutes to relax and sink into gradual inebriation with that person, bonding with them whilst having the opportunity to share some conversation, ranging from light laughs to some potentially profound life stories. It is a crucial, perhaps pivotal aspect of the drink. Picking your company can therefore be as important as selecting the brand … Continue reading Time to choose…
This is possibly the best value for money martini in London, served in a trendy, speakeasy setting in Bethnal Green. A consummate cocktail bar, the staff pay particular attention to the quality of their martini, keeping the gin and glasses in the freezer. This is much more than can be said of most cocktail establishments serving martinis in the city, which frequently seem to … Continue reading Satan’s Whiskers, Bethnal Green 4/5
Just an assortment… A classic at home. My favourite non-classic: the Japanese pickled ginger martini. A dry classic martini at a French restaurant in Soho, London. A green tea martini. A sexy Gibson martini. My auntie has two gorgeous dogs. Here’s one of them looking somewhat morosely at Dad’s empty martini glass. And here is the other one. Happiness is drinking a martini with a … Continue reading Recent martinis for World Gin Day
Have you had a long week at work? Instead of hitting the pub or attending ‘junipaluza’ in London, do you feel more inclined to stay indoors and unwind in solitude? E.B White described martinis as “the elixir of quietude” so they are absolutely perfect for relaxing at home in peace rather than going crazy on the town. So, as a suggestion, pour yourself a … Continue reading A martini for weekend introverts
This is how to take the natural sting out of a nettle leaf and replace it with the more subtle but no less painful sting of vodka. Does it ever feel like nettles are taking over your garden… and your LIFE? If so, don’t panic! Alcohol will come to your rescue. Apparently the Romans imported nettles (Urtica dioica) to the British Isles so that they … Continue reading The Stinging Nettle Martini
This is a simple snack item consisting of ground nuts, herbs and spices served with bread and some good quality oil. I’ve always been drawn to Egypt, old and new. It’s such a fascinating country with both grand and tumultuous history and I am delighted to include it in my blog with a contribution to the martini world. I wanted to write about duqqah, which … Continue reading Egyptian Duqqah to accompany a martini
The Martini Socialist 