| Vodka is the purest of all base spirits with little or no flavor of its own and lends itself well in endless concoctions. The normal martini, whether it’s adorned with pearl onions, green olives or a lemon wedge, is usually one part vermouth to three parts vodka. What happens when we exchange the one part of vermouth for something different? Well, instead of the sometimes way-too-sweet-sweet martini that has too much juice, flavored vodka and sugar on the rim, you get a hint of…the lighter tasting summer cocktail.
Eve-Tested-Recipes
Each recipe below calls for one part of the flavored liqueur, to three parts vodka. I use a martini shaker, but you can stir if that’s your preference.
Domaine de Canton, lemon twist garnish
This is my go-to martini that impresses everyone the first time they have it. Think of dried ginger coated in sugar and that’s Domaine de Canton. Produced in France, it’s an infusion of ginger, vanilla, orange blossom, honey, sugarcane and VSOP Cognac. That little bit of candied ginger against the vodka is just perfect!
Lillet Blanc, lemon twist garnish
The first time I had a martini without the traditional vermouth, it was in Burbank at the restaurant Barsac (a restaurant known in the film industry for the martini-lunch) and it was made with Lillet Blanc – a white Bordeaux, made of wine, fruit liqueurs and quinine. I found it, and still do, very refreshing as an aperitif before a meal and the closest to resembling a traditional vodka martini…with a slight indescribable twist.
Golden Pear Liqueur, citrus slice garnish
I had this imitation pear brandy from Budapest, Hungary once alone and didn’t care for the cloying sweetness of it or the bright orange color. But in a one to three ratio, the vodka did its job. Strong sugary taste was gone, replaced by the flavor of sun-kissed pears alone.
Limoncello or Orangecello Liqueur, orange or lemon twist garnish
In Italy, Limoncello is routinely served following a meal, icy cold, in a small glass. Its bite, along with its sister, Blood Orangecello, is both refreshing and clean. But it’s not something to sip alone all afternoon in the sun. I like to shop local and use the Ventura Company brand – and make sure that you buy the clear version and not the cream flavor.
Bartending hint: Please wash, wash, wash that martini shaker between cocktails. My pet peeve in a bar is when I do try one of your signature martinis…and I’m tasting the last one you made that left a different signature behind. |
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