Shaken or stirred?

There were many occasions to drink in 2020 – since there really was little else to do.  Here are the cocktails I am mixing at Martini Towers during the holidays.  They are relatively simple to make, outrageously good, and potent enough to make you forget 2020! They are also crowd pleasers – easy drinking cocktails that even non cocktailers will savour.

The Champagne Martini – a proper celebratory drink and a good use for any left over bubbly.

Vodka – 1 shot (25ml or about 1oz)
Champagne syrup – 1 shot
Cold champagne or sparkling wine – 1.5 shots
Orange peel

The trick here is to make a decent champagne syrup with leftover sparkling wine that’s lost its fizz. Make the syrup by mixing sugar with the sparkling wine in a one to one ratio.  Gently heat the syrup until the sugar has completely dissolved and the liquid has reduced by around half.  Stir frequently to prevent the syrup from boiling.  The process takes around 15 minutes. Stir the vodka and champagne syrup over ice and strain into a champagne coupe. Top with champagne. Gently stir the cocktail to mix in the champagne. Garnish with an orange peel, after you’ve squeezed the orange oils onto the surface of the drink.

Breakfast Martini – a delicious but potent alternative to your usual breakfast libation of a Bloody Mary or Mimosa.

Gin – 2 shots (50ml or about 2ozs)
Cointreau or Triple Sec – ½ shot
Fresh squeezed lemon juice – ½ shot
Orange Marmalade – 1 teaspoon
Orange peel

Muddle the marmalade and gin in the bottom of a shaker until the marmalade has completely dissolved. Add the fresh lemon juice and Triple Sec and shake over ice. Strain into a Martini glass and garnish with an orange peel.

Cheers!