When someone orders a Gibson Martini, I instantly hold them in high regard. It’s such a stylish-looking version of the classic martini. The single white cocktail onion floating solemnly in the glass almost makes it look like a religious offering. The sharp flavour is also very distinctive. Furthermore, to know about a Gibson indicates a sophisticated and experienced familiarity with martinis in general, which can … Continue reading The Lydia Martini
I’m just going to leave this here… What could be easier than olives and cheese-stuffed peppers that you picked up at the shops on the way home? I particularly like the colour contrast of these two. Oh and the taste. You can’t go wrong with the lemony-buttery taste of Nocellara olive flesh, while the soft creamy cheese paired very indulgently with the sweet piccante … Continue reading More martini snacks and canapes
This is a very simple recipe for a snack that may or may not taste like fragrant Pringles made for the Gods… While coriander is my favourite herb (controversial, I know), I also love sage. I previously made a sage-infused gin which goes nicely in a gin and tonic. However, this sage recipe is very easy and infinitely faster than making an infusion. Instructions Pick around … Continue reading A martini with sage
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
A recipe for a parmesan martini made by infusing vodka with parmesan cheese. Continue reading The Parmesan Cheese Martini
On the twelfth day of Christmas my true love gave to me… …Nine million olives and an EU fishing quota’s worth of anchovies. When it comes to serving olives with martinis I have two favourites: Nocellara olives, which I describe here or Manzanillas, especially ones which have been stuffed with anchovies and tinned in brine. I would never normally order anchovies but the first time … Continue reading An early Christmas present of olives
Cucina povera means ‘poor/poverty kitchen’, and this restaurant specialises in traditional Italian ‘peasant food’. If I was reviewing food and service this place would get full marks. So when I have to mark them down for very small (but crucial) martini points it makes me feel bad. I even added a subjective point to this rating – because they make their own in-house olive-infused gin. … Continue reading Paesan Restaurant, Farringdon, London, 4/5
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
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
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
The Martini Socialist 