Maraschino Cherry Martini
I love the sweet taste of maraschino cherries, so I thought I would incorporate it into a classic martini. I made a classic martini and simply added two teaspoons of maraschino cherry syrup then garnished the drink with one of the cherries. Simple. Goes well with a cookie. Apparently. Continue reading Maraschino Cherry Martini
The Mangoosteeni
Mangoosteen are an unusual looking tropical fruit with a thick, purple skin and soft, sweet white flesh, similar in taste to a lychee. In order to make a martini out of them, I followed a very simple formula similar to a Lychee Martini. Take a tin of mangoosteen (you can find them in specialist Asian supermarkets), then make the martini as follows (you can alter … Continue reading The Mangoosteeni
Packing martini glasses for international travel
Martinis are an international drink, but transporting martini glasses in your hold luggage on an international flight can be difficult. Nonetheless, I will not go without a martini or two on my holidays so I had to work out a plan. Wrap each glass in bubble wrap. If possible, keep the original box that you bought the glasses in. Place the wrapped glasses in the … Continue reading Packing martini glasses for international travel
The Churchill Martini
This is a crowd pleaser. Winston Churchill was one of the world’s greatest war-time political leaders. He was also a martini drinker. We can thank both him and the classic drink for leading the fight against fascism. “I have taken more out of alcohol than alcohol has taken out of me” What should be noted is that Churchill liked his martinis to be somewhat … Continue reading The Churchill Martini
The man from the Alphabet Agencies
While attending an ‘event’ in a certain Middle Eastern city, I was introduced to a charming gentleman from, shall we say, one of the ‘Alphabet Agencies’. While our discussion covered subjects including politics, diplomacy and turmoil in the region, it settled upon the subject of martinis, of which we are both fond. When one works in the business of ‘international affairs’, a strong martini is … Continue reading The man from the Alphabet Agencies
“Shaken, not stirred”
Whether or not you are a fan of Ian Fleming’s work, you cannot deny the inextricable association of James Bond with martinis. When Mr. Fleming was writing about this complicated anti-hero character it was a time of austerity and post-war reconstruction, when international travel was for the few and parts of the world were rendered out-of-bounds by the Cold War. Part of the appeal of … Continue reading “Shaken, not stirred”
The Jasmine martini
While I was jogging this morning I was arrested, not by the intense heat, the failing of my heart or the police, but by the scent of jasmine flowers growing on a bush in the neighbour’s garden. As usual, my first thought was ‘how do I martini-fy this?’ I picked a handful (don’t tell the neighbour), but I’m sure you could use normal jasmine tea. … Continue reading The Jasmine martini
Plymouth Gin
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
The Lemon and Lime Drop Martini
Have you ever had a lemon drop martini? It’s the inspiration for this drink. I just altered the recipe slightly. You will need: Gin or vodka (vodka is probably better) Sweet vermouth Lemons and limes (one each for the number of drinks you want to make) Honey Sprite (yes, sprite) I’m on holiday in the Mediterranean; a time for relaxation and spending quality time with … Continue reading The Lemon and Lime Drop Martini
Garnishes
Most of the time I garnish my martinis with a very simple piece of lemon peel. When I make the drink I take a strip of lemon peel and squeeze it over the glass so as to spray it with fresh lemon oil. After I have squeezed the peel I quickly trim it for presentation and drop it in the drink as a simple garnish … Continue reading Garnishes
