The Fujian Martini – made with Lapsang Souchong

This is a really easy martini to make. You infuse gin or vodka with Lapsang Souchong tea and use this to create a martini in the same way as a classic. This is another of the “mar-tea-nis” (martinis made with gin/vodka infused with tea) and is my joint favourite alongside an Earl Grey Martini. It’s also pretty simple to put together. Lapsang Souchong is my … Continue reading The Fujian Martini – made with Lapsang Souchong

The Beet Up Gibson Martini

This is a very simple variation on the classic Gibson martini.  I always found Gibsons to be very visually striking. They are garnished with a small pickled onion or two, and perhaps a teaspoon of the pickle vinegar, instead of the classic olive or lemon twist. They are bold and simple, with a slightly astringent taste from the vinegar. The Beet Up Gibson uses pickled … Continue reading The Beet Up Gibson Martini

The Lydia Martini

When someone orders a Gibson Martini, I instantly hold them in high regard. It’s such a stylish-looking version of the classic martini. The single white cocktail onion floating solemnly in the glass almost makes it look like a religious offering. The sharp flavour is also very distinctive. Furthermore, to know about a Gibson indicates a sophisticated and experienced familiarity with martinis in general, which can … Continue reading The Lydia Martini

The Saffron Martini

This one is a real treat of colour. A martini made with saffron is beautiful to look at, with interesting, subtle botanicals.  But what you would expect if you take the rarest, most expensive spice and infuse it into the most elegant of drinks? Note that you can also buy very high quality saffron gin ready made here. I cannot claim credit for the original recipe. … Continue reading The Saffron Martini

The Gypsy Martini

A sweeter alternative to the classic martini.    This one is very straightforward.  You will need gin/vodka, sweet vermouth and a jar of maraschino cherries. The following recipe is for a 150ml glass: Add 3 teaspoons of maraschino cherry liqueur to a chilled martini glass. Add sweet vermouth to taste (between 2tsp and 30ml). Add chilled gin/vodka (between 120-140ml depending on the amount of vermouth … Continue reading The Gypsy Martini

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