Sipping in The Sanctuary

from The Sanctuary May-June 2022

Vince Liuzza Realty

SIPPING INThe Sanctuary

Welcome to the Sanctuary Living magazine drinks column! Donna Canalizo and Shannon Brown recommend seasonal cocktails in each issue making sure you’ll be mixing up only the tastiest libations out there. So join us as we stir, shake, and pour something delicious! MARTINI’S

In this issue, Sipping In The Sanctuary is CHEERfully focusing on a classic cocktail: the Martini! Traditionally, gin was the spirit used in Martinis, but in this issue we have chosen to use vodka from Ukraine in support of the country during this difficult time, so put that gin in the bin! Historically, the Martini was a rather simple cocktail featuring gin or vodka and Vermouth with an olive or lemon twist garnish, but who created this wonderful concoction? One account is that the popular cocktail was created by a bartender at The Occidental Hotel in San Francisco during the Gold Rush of the mid-1800s. The flavorful cocktail, it is said, was fashioned for travelers getting ready to ride the ferry to the town of Martinez. Just as interesting as the history of the Martini are the little tidbits of information associated with a good Martini. For instance, having an even number of olives in a Martini is considered bad luck. In order to avoid this omen, one or three olives must be present in the cocktail. Also, the kind of olives are as important as the number of olives. The best olives are ones that will stand up to this boozy cocktail. The Spanish Manzanilla olives are always a great choice. If you

are feeling adventurous, try blue cheese-stuffed olives. You CHEERfully focusing on a classic cocktail: the will not be sorry, as the combination of the blue cheese with Martini! Traditionally, gin was the spirit used in the boozy juices is a true delight. Martinis, but in this issue we have chosen to use vodka from Ukraine in support of the country Another little known fact about the Martini involves James during this difficult time, so put that gin in Bond. It turns out, James Bond was all wrong about his the bin! Martini when he ordered it shaken. True Martini enthusiasts know that a stirred Martini is the way to go since the ice does not melt as fast. In order to get that pure clarity and smooth mouth-feel, always ask for your Martini stirred, not shaken. No one likes a diluted cocktail. The stirred not shaken argument presents another question. Just how long should a Martini be stirred? Some say 60 seconds is the right amount of time to produce a perfectly balanced cocktail, while others argue that 30 seconds will do the trick. Finally, if you are not a fan of Vermouth, it can easily be taken out to give you what’s called a “Bone-Dry Martini.” We like our classic Martinis a little dirty, or a lot dirty! Making a Martini “dirty”, simply means that olive brine is added to the mixture for an added layer of deliciousness. Nowadays there are lots of variations to the Martini. The days of just a dirty Martini are a thing of the past, as is presented in the following recipes. Here, we’re presenting three for your experimenting enjoyment.

The Dirty Martini

Ingredients: (makes two drinks) 5 oz. vodka 1 oz. dry vermouth 1 oz. olive brine (or more if you like)

Directions:

Combine ingredients in a mixing glass filled with ice and stir until chilled. Garnish with one or three olives in each glass.

Grapefruit Martini

Fruity martinis are very popular. Ours uses fresh grapefruit juice to make this drink super refreshing. Add a slice of grapefruit to the glass for a beautiful presentation. Ingredients: (makes two drinks) 4 oz. Ruby red grapefruit juice 4 oz. vodka 2 oz. Grand Marnier (or triple sec)

Directions:

Combine ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice and shake until chilled. Garnish with a slice of grapefruit.

Spicy Chocolate Martini

The spicy chocolate martini is wonderfully decadent with a hint of heat, using Kahlúa, Baileys, chocolate syrup, and a dusting of cocoa powder on top. Ingredients: (make two drinks) 4 oz. Baileys Irish Cream 4 oz. Chili Chocolate Kahlúa (or use Godiva chocolate liqueur for traditional chocolate Martini) 8 oz. vodka Chocolate syrup and cocoa powder for garnish

Directions:

Combine Baileys, Kahlúa, and vodka in a cocktail shaker and shake until chilled. Drizzle chocolate syrup inside martini glass, using a swirl pattern. Pour Martini into glass, a top with a light dusting of cocoa powder.