A martini for weekend introverts
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
The Stinging Nettle Martini
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
Egyptian Duqqah to accompany a 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
Tanqueray in a martini
A martini with Tanqueray gin. Continue reading Tanqueray in a martini
South African biltong
A classic treat from my South African relatives. Continue reading South African biltong
Salmon tartare canapés
Olives are the nibble most closely associated with martinis but I always think that seafood is one of the best matches. It’s fresh, cold and goes well with citrus, just like a good martini. Consuming seafood also brings its own element of danger (food poisoning? Mercury?), much like the danger associated with drinking a strong martini. So here is a simple and easy recipe for … Continue reading Salmon tartare canapés
Martinis y tapas
Having spent an amazing weekend in Madrid I thought I would write about the drinking culture in the city and see what inspiration I could draw from a martini perspective. Los Madrileños know how to have fun – without feeling guilty, without getting stressed and without getting post-apocalyptically drunk. If you feel like having a drink or having something to eat then do so. … Continue reading Martinis y tapas
Martini with a sprig of thyme
This is a very simple variation on the classic martini. Thyme is one of my favourite herbs. The mouth-watering smell evokes summertime, or some of the delicious za’tar manouche (savoury thyme-flavoured Lebanese wraps) I’ve eaten in Beirut, London and Dubai. Take a sprig of fresh thyme (I’ve been growing some on the balcony), wash and dry it, then rub it around a chilled … Continue reading Martini with a sprig of thyme
The Beet Up Vesper Martini at the Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town 4/5
Behold, the oddest blog title I have ever produced! But you will see what I’m talking about in the bar review below. I award the above-mentioned cocktail bar 4/5 for its variation on the classic Vesper Martini. Given the strict criteria of my Martini Ratings I could only offer full points upon trying a proper classic martini but if I offer my review in word form … Continue reading The Beet Up Vesper Martini at the Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town 4/5
The Parmesan Cheese Martini
A recipe for a parmesan martini made by infusing vodka with parmesan cheese. Continue reading The Parmesan Cheese Martini
The Martini Socialist 