Basil-infused gin martini
Known as James Bond’s signature drink, we’ve given the martini a modern twist with a fragrant basil-infused syrup. The syrup can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge until you need it.
INGREDIENTS
BASIL SYRUP
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup basil
MARTINI
- 2 cups gin
- 1/2 cup dry vermouth
- 3/4 cup basil syrup
- Handful fresh basil leaves
- Strips of fresh lemon zest
METHOD
BASIL SYRUP
ADD water, sugar and basil to a pot over medium heat. Simmer for 5 minutes, then remove from the heat. Allow to cool for at least 20 minutes. Once cool, blend the syrup and pass it through a fine sieve.
MARTINI
COMBINE the gin, vermouth and basil syrup in a cocktail shaker along with a few ice cubes. Shake well to chill.
STRAIN the cocktail into 8 chilled Martini glasses. Garnish with a few fresh basil leaves and a few strips of citrus zest to serve.
FOOD TEAM TIP: Because martinis aren’t served with ice, it’s important to pre-chill your serving glasses. This will keep the drinks crisp and cold for longer.
Carrot cake martini
We’ve teamed up with award-winning South African mixologist, Owen O’Reilly, to bring you this Easter-inspired carrot cake martini.
INGREDIENTS
- 40ml gin
- 10ml tawny Port
- 35ml fresh carrot juice
- 15ml carrot cake syrup (recipe here)
- 1 bar spoon mascarpone
- 1 bar spoon of whole/crushed pecan nut, to garnish
METHOD
Lemon cream martini
Is there a way to combine the indulgences of booze and dessert? Well, a lemon cream martini, of course. This creamy, zesty concoction ensures that you have your dessert and drink it too.
INGREDIENTS
- 1 tot of citrus-flavoured vodka
- 4 tots of plain vodka
- 10ml (2 tsp) vanilla bean syrup
- 20ml (4 tsp) coconut milk
- 2 tots of lemon juice
METHOD
Litchi martini
A quick and easy cocktail for summer! Sip this Litchi martini next to the pool, on the beach or simply while you are lounging outside for some ultimate summer-time relaxation!
INGREDIENTS
- 1 thumb-sized piece of fresh ginger (sliced)
- 4 fresh or tinned litchis
- 5ml (1 tsp) simple syrup
- 60ml (¼ cup) citrus-flavoured vodka
- Ice cubes
METHOD
ADD the ginger (sliced) and litchis to a cocktail shaker.
MUDDLE until the litchis and ginger have released their juice.
ADD the simple syrup, citrus-flavoured vodka, and a few cubes of ice.
SHAKE and strain into a glass.
GARNISH with litchis.
Dark espresso surprise martini
The rich chocolatey character of The Legendary Dark Silkie Irish Whiskey is superb in a Dark Espresso Surprise, Dark Silkie’s take on an espresso martini.
INGREDIENTS
- 50 ml Dark Silkie Irish Whiskey
- 30 ml chilled espresso
- 15 ml coffee liqueur
- 10 ml simple syrup
METHOD
HARD SHAKE the whiskey, chilled espresso, coffee liqueur, and simple syrup with ice.
SINGLE STRAIN into a chilled coupe glass.
SPRINKLE with chocolate powder and serve.
A shot of Christmas martini-style aperitif
A classic martini-style aperitif, perfumed with the flavour of hazelnut and vanilla.
INGREDIENTS
- 25ml vanilla vodka, well chilled
- 25ml Crème de Cacao liqueur
- 25ml Frangelico liqueur
- Ice cubes
INSTRUCTIONS
COMBINE the ingredients with a few cubes of ice in a cocktail shaker or a glass jar sealed with a lid.
SHAKE vigorously for 10 seconds.
STRAIN into martini glasses and serve.
ALSO SEE: 6 Drinks for international gin & tonic day
Feature Image: Getty Images
