While martinis were historically made with gin, it would be foolish to deny the heavy influence of vodka on martini culture. Furthermore, a wealth of additional spirits can flavour, hint or even mostly constitute some martini variations, so it’s really about exploring things and deciding upon your own taste. It’s also an absolute treat to make and compare martinis with different brands of various spirits. I’ll record my own thoughts here, but you should try it out for yourself!
What do you drink after you’ve consumed two martinis? You don’t want to break the Two Martini Rule. Here is a selection of spirits that you can drink without adding a mixer. Smokey, velvety Mezcal from Oaxaca, Mexico. ¡Salud! Kirchwasser, cherry schnapps from Germany. Prost! Deep, dark, rich, herbal and smoky, this is Balsams from Latvia. Priekā! Some schnapps from Sweden. Skål! And finally my … Continue reading Some other spirits
It’s Christmas time and last night I decided to have a non-martini drink. I’ve previously mentioned my liking for akvavit for midsommar, but I also like it during the winter (to keep warm). I put some miniature bottles of akvavit (from Ikea) in the freezer for a day, then served them in heavy glasses and a single spherical ice cube. I like all the different … Continue reading Swedish akvavit
Plymouth gin reminds me of my childhood. But not because I was a functioning pre-school alcoholic. I just remember family members drinking it, like my dad and grandpa. The gathering of family at the end of the day for a gin has always had a ceremonial element to it, something that gave closure to the day and acted as a focal point for family to … Continue reading Plymouth Gin
My friend brought me some Konyagi back from Tanzania. Konyagi is a local spirit made in Tanzania that resembles something between gin and vodka. It’s a clear spirit with less juniper or other herbs. It’s also sold in plastic bags which adds to the novelty. Obviously my first thought was “how do I make a martini out of this?” So I put the konyagi in … Continue reading The martini from Tanzania (aka the Serengetini)
Sunday evening, I didn’t want a full martini, just a little pre-dinner sip. London looks green, with the stirring of a summer haze as the sun sets. The approach of the solstice put me in mind of Scandinavian celebrations so I took a bottle of akvavit out of the freezer and poured some into a tall, frozen shot glass, with a twist of lemon peel … Continue reading Summer akvavit
The Martini Socialist 