An interview with an anonymous aid-worker-turned-civil-servant who shares her experiences in Afghanistan and the pursuit of justice in the military. We talk about Cape Town, gardening and the similarities between Essex and Lebanon. We might even have invented a new martini type… Continue reading Sunday Social: the Sadness of Leaving Kabul – a martini with a washed-up aid worker
An excellently fun and creative bar in Glasgow’s Merchant City. Continue reading The Absent Ear Speakeasy in Glasgow
An ode to one of America’s best exports: the classic, New York style cocktail bar Continue reading The Legacy of American Bars: a Century of Cocktail Culture
A salt and vinegar martini for the British masses! Continue reading The Chippy Gibby Martini (a Gibson made with chip shop style pickled onions)
A well-established Swedish vodka with a New York backstory, subtle but effective branding and soft, wheaty agricultural notes. Continue reading A Swedish Martini with Absolut Vodka
This is one of my favourite places in the world. Oyster happy hour is a must! I’ve previously mentioned how well seafood goes with a martini, especially the simplistically delicate oyster, so a bar/restaurant that specialises in briny goodness was always going to get me excited. However, I’ve got to focus on the martini and not get too ahead of myself. Using my martini rating … Continue reading The Mermaid Inn, NYC 4.5/5
This is a slight departure from my normal work, but I’ve got a cold and was craving something less potent and more sweet and fruity than a martini. Enter the Old Fashioned cocktail. Apparently emerging in the early 1800s (it might even have evolved towards the late 1700s), this drink is a lot older than a Martini. It also has a reputation for being … Continue reading How to make an Old Fashioned Cocktail
Annyeonghaseyo. This is a really tasty, easy and even healthy vegetarian dish that you can serve as a vegetable side, a starter or, most importantly of all, as an appetiser to accompany a martini (obviously). I first ate this delicious dish in Koreatown, Manhattan. Of all the wondrous and unusual dishes I gluttonously consumed that night (my favourite being a gigantic simmered squid, still … Continue reading Korean spinach – Sigeumchi-namul
This is a slight variation on a classic American cocktail. I first encountered the Lemon Drop in New York. A barman asked me what I wanted and I said I felt like something strong and astringent. It’s a very simple combination of sweet and sour, and it’s easy to make at home. Leave out the egg white and the frothing process in this recipe if … Continue reading The Lemon Drop Martini with Foam
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
The Martini Socialist 