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my flat for an extended period of time (a fortnight for example) I can’t stand the thought of anything going off or out of date and I hate throwing things out.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 Skylon Bar, London 4.5/5
If you’re in London, treat yourself. It’s not that expensive and you’re guaranteed a good quality cocktail in an excellent setting. This is a lovely bar in a wonderful, all-welcoming part of London. The brutalist Southbank Centre with its grand but minimalist polished concrete slabs enjoys a wonderfully soft form of acoustics. The diverse array of visitors range from pondering thespians to the philosophical … Continue reading The Skylon Bar, London 4.5/5
Shime Saba (pickled mackerel sushi)
I love mackerel. You’ve got to eat it fresh, it looks beautiful, it tastes really strong and it reminds me of fun times trying to catch them in the summer from a very young age. Look at the deep colouration and beautiful patterns of their skin. I also love sashimi, or meat and seafood that is lightly cured, smoked or marinaded rather than cooked outright. … Continue reading Shime Saba (pickled mackerel sushi)
Mamuśka Polish bar and restaurant, E&C, London
This isn’t strictly a post about martinis but I am making a special mention of this tasty bar/restaurant Mamuśka, not least because of the way they treat their spirits (which is well, by the way). The ultimately satisfying carb-fest ‘placki ziemniaczane’ (pancakes made out of potato) will put you into a sumptuous ‘food coma’. For years Mamuśka restaurant has been a regular visiting … Continue reading Mamuśka Polish bar and restaurant, E&C, London
Martinis ad infinitum
So many martinis… Here’s one at home with a sprig of lavender. In the garden during a hot summer sunset. Dawn breaks over London. Yes, this happened at dawn. Whoops. A more strategic martini, here with the Lewis Chessmen in the background. Martinis, wine, olives and walnuts on a tree stump in the garden on a summer’s evening. A … Continue reading Martinis ad infinitum
The Martini Socialist 