New Orleans Martini

I was berated for being ordinary for last nights cocktail.  Buy you have to remember, I need to add all the boring drinks for completeness.  Its all good that you know how to make a fancy cocktail, but what if you want to know how to make something more pedestrian.  Instead of making my case – here’s another fancy one – the New Orleans Martini.

3 ounces vanilla vodka

• 0.5 ounce dry vermouth
• 0.5 ounce Pernod
• 1 dash Angostura bitters
• mint sprig for garnish

Dave’s Thoughts:

• The first sip, phew this is strong.  Sounds so much better than the taste.
• The undertone is vanilla, but the aniseed of Pernod also permeates the drinks.
• Let’s look to the positive – the drink has a fun in golden tinge.

Tasting Notes:

• Dave’s Rating: 3/10
• Strength: 8/10
• Sweetness: 3/10
• New Orleans is a fun place so I hear, this drink – not so much.

Key Lime Pie Martini

I can’t do all the work – what follows is a drink discovered by my friend Lisa on a trip to Key West.  I received a desperate email demanding to include this on the blog with the title “Best Martini Ever”.  That’s high praise, so once she returned from Florida, gathered all the necessary ingredients, I was held hostage at our F1 gathering to try it.  For good measure, and to keep the tropical theme going – Bungi the parrot features in the photo shoot.

• 3 ounces Vanilla Vodka
• 1 ounce Coconut Rum
• 2.25 ounces lime creme liqueur
• Splash of lime juice

Shake vigorously over ice, rim a chilled martini glass with sugar, pour, garnish with a lime wedge and serve.

Dave’s Thoughts:

• Best martini ever is high praise, and unfortunately I cannot get there.  Maybe Lisa had succumbed to the heat and humidity of a Florida night!
• I tried the drink the first time without the lime juice and found it wanting – it was too thick and creamy and needed the hit of citrus.
• This is a great drink, and I’m sure it will be hit with those people who want a fun fruity beverage.

Tasting Notes:

• Dave’s Rating: 7/10 (sorry Lisa)
• Strength: 7/10 (but it WILL kick your ass if you have a couple)
• Sweetness: 7/10
• I appreciate the help, but the search for the best martini ever continues…