Blueberries
Friends who know my passion for a new summer cocktail adapted this recipe from a summer drink they recently discovered. We served this sweet and tart drink along with with the modern day dry martini for a gathering we call “Martini Moments.” We keep our get-togethers spontaneous and simple by only serving a few cheese selections with crispy crackers and salty nuts and grapes.
Blueberry Bramble
Ingredients:
a hand full of blueberries, about a dozen,muddled
1 –Â 2Â oz blueberry – or blackberry liqueur
2Â oz gin
a squeeze of lemon, a teaspoon or two to taste
ice
Mixology:
Muddle berries.
Mix in a shaker with liqueur, gin and lemon.
Pour into a glass over ice, I prefer shaved.
Garnish with a blueberries, lemon slice, or a blackberry.
Martini
Ingredients:
4 oz gin
1/2 oz dry vermouth
ice
lemon peel or olive garnish
Mixology:
Pour gin and vermouth into and ice-filled shaker.
Shake, then strain into a glass.
garnish with lemon peel or olive.
Tips:
Use a chilled crystal glass and the purest of spirits.
Most old-timer martini drinkers prefer gin.
If you substitute vodka, it is a vodkatini.
An onion makes this drink a Gibson.
When I lived in England, most martinis were half gin and half vermouth. The Mayfair Hotel, however, made perfect American martinis.
The Hill Team enjoys the occasional vodka gimlet, made with lime juice.
My favorite book about martinis is by Barnaby Conrad 111, called The Martini.
Brenda C. Hill
International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association
Books By Hills Success With Writing Where And What in the World
Author: Maralyn
Maralyn Dennis Hill, The Epicurean Explorer, is president emeritus of International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association, member of Society of American Travel Writers, and Society of Professional Journalists. She is Executive Editor of Luxe Beat Magazine and contributes to other publications. She also speaks and is a guest on many shows. The majority of Maralyn’s articles are now geared to the luxury market, spas, corporate retreats, business events, and culinary tourism, from simple to gourmet. Maralyn’s description of herself: I was born to travel and tell the tale. I’m energized by different cultures in every aspect of their lives, from food, wine, and destination, to how they conduct business. Travel represents a continual geography lesson.
