Two Palates, One Passion—Uncorking Wisdom, One Article at a Time!

SOMM&SOMM

Category: Cocktails

  • Trendy Cocktails: Slo Gin Fig Martini

    Trendy Cocktails: Slo Gin Fig Martini

    As for martinis, there are two distinct and very vocal camps. Historians and cocktail purists believe that a true martini can only be made with gin. Vodka lovers, of course, stand completely opposed with their many variations of the vodka martinis. And according to James Bond, they should be shaken… not stirred. Personally, I only shake cocktails that contain fruit juice. Always shake a Cosmopolitan, but never a Manhattan 😉

    The Slo Gin Fig Martini is a riff on the Vesper Cocktail first introduced in Ian Fleming’s James Bond classic–Casino Royal. The addition of Slo Gin and Figenza Mediterranean Fig Vodka creates another level of complexity.

    The Slo Gin Fig Martini

    1 3/4 oz. Dry Gin

    1/2 oz. Vodka

    1/2 oz. Figenza Mediterranean Fig Vodka

    1/2 oz. Lillet Blanc

    1/4 oz. Slo Gin

    Place all of the ingredients into a cocktail shaker. Add ice and shake. Double strain into a coupe-style or martini glass. Add a long slice of lemon peel and enjoy.

    Cheers!

  • Trendy Cocktails: The Blood & Bourbon

    Trendy Cocktails: The Blood & Bourbon

    Finding the right pre-dinner cocktail can sometimes be a challenge. As with wine, there is a difference between ‘right’ and ‘right now.’ Sometimes we succumb to convenience… and choose the ‘right now’ option. A pre-dinner cocktail should set the tone and expectations for the upcoming culinary experience. As a side note, I consider every meal (including pizza delivery) a culinary experience if you are sharing it with friends and family.

    The Blood & Bourbon Cocktail has everything you need to get those tastebuds working. The blood orange liquor provides just enough citrus, while the tarragon gives the subtle herbiness to put bring cocktail to the next level.

    The Blood & Bourbon Cocktail

    2 oz. Bourbon (my wife prefers Basil Hayden)

    1/2 oz. Blood Orange Liquor

    1 oz. Sweet Vermouth

    4 to 6 Dashes Orange Bitters

    Pinch of Crushed Tarragon

    Place all of the ingredients into a cocktail shaker. Add ice and shake. Double strain into a coupe-style or martini glass. Keep everything close by because you’ll want another one 😉

    Cheers!