This time around, the recipes for four Martini’s, some of which can be made as a shot, and one after dinner drink to cleanse the summer palate. As many people will attest, Martini’s and their variations have become very popular to a large segment of the drinking population and while some know what they want and how to make it, most bar patrons wonder what it is that makes a Cosmo or a Wedding Cake. As in previous columns of this particular nature, the method and ingredients are included.
Cosmopolitan
1 3/4 oz Vodka
1 1/4 oz Cranberry Juice
3/4 oz Lime Juice
3/4 oz Triple Sec (Optional)
A Cosmopolitan is, in essence, Vodka’s version of the Margarita. As you can tell, two of the ingredients are the same and the consistency of both drinks is not too far off. Thusly, a Cosmopolitan is made the same way as a Margarita- pour all of the ingredients into a bar shaker and shake the ever-living s#*$ out of it. Strain and pour into a chilled Martini glass. Lemon twist or Lime Wedge for the garnish. (The Triple Sec adds a little more body and sweetness to the drink, so if you’re looking for a “cleaner” drink, don’t use Triple Sec.)
French Martini
1 oz Chambord
1 3/4 oz Vanilla Vodka (Stoli Vanilla is best)
1 1/2 oz Pineapple Juice
This Martini can also be made as a shot, layered shot or a Martini. The Martini and layered shot can be made the same way with the only difference being the glassware. Pour the ounce of Chambord into the bottom of the glass. Pour the Vanilla Vodka and Pineapple Juice into a bar shaker and shake vigorously. Pour over a bar spoon and very slowly over the Chambord. As just a shot, take the same ingredients and pour them into a bar shaker, give it a couple shakes and pour into shot glasses.
Wedding Cake Martini
1 3/4 oz Vanilla Vodka (Again, Stoli Vanilla is best)
1 1/2 oz Pineapple Juice
1 oz Lime Juice
This is as easy as they come and can also be either a Martini or a shot. Take all ingredients and pour them into a bar shaker. Give it a few shakes and pour into appropriate glassware.
Washington Apple
1 1/2 oz Crown Royal
1 1/2 oz Cranberry Juice
1 1/2 oz Apple Puckers
This is for our Whiskey lovers out there. Well, our Whiskey lovers out there who don’t drink the stuff straight. This drink can also be made as a shot and is simple to make. Once again, pour all ingredients into a bar shaker and pour into the appropriate glassware.
Caramel Milkshake
2 oz Liquor 43
1/2 oz Heavy Cream
This is one of my favorite after a much too large meal drinks. It’s a shot, poured into either a shot glass or a Martini glass and it is layered. Pour the Liquor 43 into a glass and then take a bar spoon and slowly pour the heavy cream on top. Tastes just like a Caramel Milkshake.
