Jeff’s
favorite
martinis
I came to drinking later in life, after the passing of my grandmother in 2001... and I also blame Karen’s corrupting influence. :)
I’ll admit, I like drinks on the sweeter side, but my palette is evolving.
These are recipes we’ve collected, refined and enjoyed. Check back, the list is sure to grow!
“I like to have a martini,
Two at the very most.
After three I'm under the table,
after four I'm under my host.”Dorothy Parker (1893-1967)
“Hey, what's with all of the specific names and links to the web sites for the ingredients? Are you one of them left-wing elitist snobs?” Yes, and the web sites have more great recipes for other drinks if these don't strike your fancy. There are other interesting uses for vodka as well.
This is a variation of a recipe I got from a mixology class I took on the cruise to Alaska. My contribution is the Ruby Red vodka. It adds just a twist to the flavor.
Muddle 2 lime wedges
1.5 oz. Absolut© Ruby Red vodka
0.5 oz. Triple Sec
1.5 oz. Sour mix
1.0 oz. cranberry juice
This is a variation of the one above. I first sampled it New Year's Eve in “Zola's” in Washington, DC. It's pretty and tasty, but the white cranberry juice can be tough to find.
1.5 oz. Absolut© Ruby Red vodka
0.5 oz. Triple Sec
1.0 oz. white cranberry juice
a few dried Craisin or dried cherries as garnish
I'm not a good shopper at the ABC store here in PA. I like pretty bottles, colorful labels and interesting ingredients. I thought the bottle of Patrón looked interesting. This was a variation on a recipe from the tag on the Patrón liquor bottle.
Muddle 2 orange wedges
1.5 oz. Absolut© Mandarin vodka
0.5 oz. Patrón© Citronge
orange liquor
1.5 oz. Sour mix
1.0 oz. orange juice
Again, this is a variation of a recipe I got from a mixology class I took on the cruise to Alaska. For an extra kick, add the Lemoncello.
Muddle 2 lemon wedges
1.5 oz. Grey Goose© Le Citron vodka
0.5 oz. Triple Sec
1.5 oz. Sour mix
1.0 oz. Lemoncello
The chocolate martini has the most variations and I like all of them, especially the presentation at the Kiluea Lodge in Volcano, Hawaii.
1.5 oz. Van Gogh© Dutch Chocolate Vodka
0.5 oz. Creme de Cacao
Garnish with a cherry, strawberry or Hershey’s kiss (Dark is better)
Karen and I went to dinner at a new restaurant. We sat at the bar while we waited for our table and the bartender asked if we wanted to try a new concoction. We liked it and asked for the recipe. After the third, we forgot some of the ingredients. Come to find out this is based on the “Naughty at Neimans” recipe on the X-Rated web site.
1.0 oz. X-Rated© Fusion Liquor
1.0 oz. Johnny Love© Passion
Fruit Vodka
1.0 oz. Passoã©
2.0 oz. pink lemonade
Lonestar Steakhouse had a special promotion for this rum drink that we enjoyed. Found the recipe on-line and we love it.
1.0 oz. Cruzan© Coconut Rum
1.0 oz. Cruzan© Mango Rum
1.0 oz. Pineapple juice
We had a Christmas party a few years ago and Walt, our bartender for the night, mixed a special concoction for us. The only problem is finding the Shakka.
1.0 oz. Shakka© Apple Liquor
1.0 oz. Green Apple Vodka
1.0 oz. Sour mix
1.0 oz. Apple juice
I took a trip to Chicago to go to a trade show and see a client. One evening, I decided to have tapas for dinner and the restaurant Nia Mediterranean Tapas was within walking distance of where I was staying. The food was great and I had this great martini from their bar.
1.0 oz. Disaronno© Amaretto
2.0 oz. Stoli© Vanilla
1.0 oz. Sour Apple Schnapps
0.5 oz. lime juice
splash cranberry juice
When Karen and I were on vacation to Australia, we had lunch at the Curlew Cafe where there was a large jar of beverage on the counter.
“What’s that?”
“Crocodile Swamp Water.”
It had fruit in it, so it couldn’t be bad.
“Yum. Please sir, can I have some more?”
Fill pitcher with fruit: Sliced lemons, oranges, strawberries, grapes
and few blueberries for color
1.0 cup orange juice
0.25 cup white rum
0.25 cup Triple Sec
Pour mix over fruit,
Fill with sauterne and mix. Keep chilled and away from crockies, mate!
This is Karen’s concoction that she loves to drink while sitting in our back yard, watching the light show of the little bugs that fill the trees in our back yard.
0.5 oz. Midori© Sour Melon Liquor
2.0 oz. Three Olives© Citrus Vodka
Splash of Orange juice
Sit in dark yard and watch for lightning bugs
Karen and I have often gone to dinner with Keith and Dotty at a restaurant called Borghis. The had a list of twelve martinis on the menu and we proceeded to order each one and shared them around around the table. This was a particular favorite of mine. Technically, the “Barry” should be “Berry” (for the Chambord). It’s a fun drink when you want a chocolate shake with a kick!
Swirl Hershey chocolate sauce on the inside of a glass
2.0 oz. Vodka
1.0 oz. Godiva© White
Chocolate Liquor
1.0 oz. Chambord©
splash cream
Drink while listening to silky deep tones singing "I can’t get enough of your love baby..."