Nightclub & Bar - May 2009

Recipe File

By Donna Hood Crecca | dcrecca@questex.com

Modern Martinis

What is a Martini? Classically, it’s vodka or gin with vermouth — which spirit and how much vermouth is a matter of personal taste and usually much debate among imbibers and barkeeps alike. But the Martini has morphed into any drink put into a Martini glass. Which brings up another debate: should it be called a Martini glass, a cocktail glass or a coupe? I welcome your thoughts on that one.

Here, we offer some contemporary takes on the classic cocktail, each of which would jump start your spring or summer drink menu with style.

Bacon Martini

A favorite at the Double Down Bars in Las Vegas and New York City, owner P Moss reports it’s a favorite with the ladies. 3 strips hickory smoked bacon

1 bottle vodka

Fry the bacon and “ massage” it into a bottle of vodka. Allow bottle to stand for 24 hours; the

bacon will soften. Chill the vodka. Strain into a chilled Martini glass.

Pink Honey Martini
Courtesy of Sidney Frank Importing Co.
1 part Barenjager Honey Liqueur
2 parts vodka
Splash of cranberry juice
Dash of sweet and sour mix
Shake with ice and strain into a Martini
glass.

Welcome Back

Developed by Paul McGee of The Whistler

in Chicago.

1 ¼ ounces Ketel One Vodka ¾ ounce chamomile-infused bianco vermouth 2 dashes lemon bitters Add ingredients to mixing glass with ice. Stir for approximately 20 seconds. Strain into a 4-ounce coupe glass.

Sapphire Minted Mango
Martini

From the Bacardi USA

Summer Cocktail Guide.

1½ parts Bombay Sapphire Gin
½ part Cointreau
½ part fresh lime juice
½ part agave nectar
5 mint leaves
¼ fresh mango
Mint leaf

Muddle mango with agave and lime juice. Shake all ingredients with lots of ice and serve straight up in a chilled Martini glass. Float mint leaf on top for aroma.

Irish Razberi Martini The March Martini of the Month was a hit at Martinis in Henderson, Nev. 1 ½ ounce Baileys 1 ½ ounce Stoli Razberi ½ ounce Kahlua Mint sprig 1 raspberry Shake ingredients and strain into a Martini glass. Garnish with a mint sprig picked to a fresh raspberry.

Swedish Pinch

Developed by Greg Best of Holeman and Finch in Atlanta.

2 ounces Karlsson’s Gold Vodka 1 ounce Lillet Blonde Dash of Regan’s Orange Bitters Fresh black pepper Grapefruit peel Combine in mixing glass with ice and stir; strain into Martini glass and serve with fresh black pepper cracked over the drink and a garnish of grapefruit peel.

Godiva Truffletini Courtesy of Diageo. ½ ounce Godiva Original Liqueur 1 ounce Godiva White Chocolate Liqueur ½ ounce Cîroc Vodka Shake until blended and pour into a chilled Martini glass. Garnish with chocolate shavings if desired.

Nuvo Springtime Martini
Courtesy of Nuvo Sparkling Liqueur.
1 ounce vodka
1/2 ounce peach nectar
Splash of fresh lime juice
1 ounce Nuvo Sparkling Liqueur
Lemon peel
Combine vodka, peach nectar and lime
juice; top with Nuvo Sparkling Liqueur.
Serve in a Martini glass garnished with a
fresh lemon peel.

Mom’s Specialty Courtesy of Hint Essence Water 1 ½ ounce watermelon vodka 1 ½ ounce citrus vodka 1 ½ ounce Blackberry HINT Shake ingredients over ice and serve in a Martini glass.