Martinis and Seafood
Seafood goes well with a martini. The salty freshness compliments the sharp but oily astringency of a cold martini. Seafood also has an air of simplistic luxury, thus making it a natural pairing for the drink. I’ve put together a couple of examples of things I’ve made/served or otherwise eaten with a martini over recent months. While some of these things have been in London, … Continue reading Martinis and Seafood
The Espresso Martini
“Make me something that wakes me up and then f#*€s me up.” I’ve wanted to make this one for a long time but given its chemical stimulant potency I found myself putting it off until a suitable situation arose. The origin of most cocktails is blurry (a testament to their effectiveness) but it is believed that the espresso martini was created in a bar in … Continue reading The Espresso Martini
A Martini with Samphire
This is a very simple variation on the classic martini. The only thing I have changed is the garnish. Marsh Samphire is one of my favourite foods. Harvested in the summer months from coastal rocky areas it is comparable to asparagus, but with a saltier and less pungent aftertaste. It’s very simple to prepare but it’s fleshy, crunchy freshness makes for a lovely … Continue reading A Martini with Samphire
Oysters: a Timeless Martini Accompaniment
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
Gin and Tonic advice courtesy of @GinMonkeyUK
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 Martin Miller’s Gin martini
A martini made the clean and beautiful Martin Miller’s Gin. Continue reading A Martin Miller’s Gin martini
Upstairs at the Ten Bells of Spittalfields (London) 4/5
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
Time to choose…
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…
Satan’s Whiskers, Bethnal Green 4/5
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
Recent martinis for World Gin Day
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
The Martini Socialist 