The...Hmmm...Well, what should we call it?

If you live in Ontario, and have an affectation for peaches, then summer means one thing and one thing only to you: fresh Ontario Peaches. They are truly glorious pieces of fruit and even someone such as I who can think of several fruits I would prefer, has to admit that the smell and taste of a fresh Ontario peach is only slightly shy of ambrosia.

And so it came that I had a basket of these beauties on my counter when inspiration struck me. There may be a thousand variations on the beverage that came of this inspiration but, despite my thorough scouring of any martini list at each restaurant I happen to dine at whether I order an alcoholic beverage or not, I personally have never seen this ingredient list:

3 tablespoons peach puree
1 measure vodka
1 half measure Chambord liqueur
2 measures pineapple juice
Top with sparkling water


Peel and remove stone from fresh peach and puree;
Add to shaker with vodka, Chambord and pineapple juice, add ice;
Shake vigorously until well frosted;
Strain into martini glass, top with sparkling water;
Garnish with peach slice.


The result was exquisite. Summery, frothy, and with a slight fizz. Vodka and Chambord always play well together and combine beautifully with the scent and taste of fresh peach puree. When altering this mix to your own personal taste, I would recommend only playing with the amounts of vodka and pineapple juice, and giving from one to add to the other. Otherwise it will affect the froth and consistency of the final product. And while I am a huge fan of Chambord liqueur, increasing the amount will overpower the peach and muddle the flavour.

And so my guests and I, thoroughly impressed with the success of the experiment, stood in my kitchen savouring my triumph quietly, until someone said, "So, what'll you call it?" We knocked a few ideas around, but as yet, the peachy creation remains un-christened.

This being an infant blog, my readership is rather limited as yet, however, I feel confident that one of you will be the naming salvation of this martini. Comment with your name suggestion and help this newly born creation enter my martini list with it's proper handle.

Until next time,

Drink with Care, Friends.

Chambord

This black raspberry liqueur is simply splendid. Inspired by a liqueur that was introduced to King Louis XIV in the late 17th century, it is a blend of cognac, Madagascar vanilla, blackberries and raspberries.

The bottle is distinctive, but I warn, difficult to get in to. A solid pair of vice grips was required to get it open and even after that, one of those round, plastic grippers is needed to get the cap off once the seal is dealt with.

That said it is, in my opinion, well worth the effort. Chambord is one of my favourite liqueurs. It is brilliant in a huge number of martinis or can be served over ice. Personally, I usually enjoy Chambord in a glass of bubbly. Half an ounce on the bottom of a champagne flute topped with bubbly makes a gorgeous drink.

The Chambord website has a stunning recipe list that I highly recommend to a person looking to try this liqueur.

Hpnotiq

Hpnotiq is a fruit liqueur made from vodka, cognac, and tropical fruit juices. It was created in 2001 by Raphael Yakoby who was inspired by a blue perfume he saw in Bloomingdale's. According to Adams Beverage Media, it is the fourth best selling imported liqueur in the United States.

Hpnotiq is pale blue in colour, fruity in taste, with a slight sour quality. With great versatility, it works extremely well as an addition to vodka and gin, can be used alone with fruit juice, or added to a glass of bubbly. The Hpnotiq web site (thanks to them for the picture below) has an extensive recipe collection which should be perused with caution as there are far to many delicious ideas.

I discovered this yummy liqueur a few years ago while dining at a restaurant with an impressive martini list. A waitress there gave me the mix and I've since adjusted the recipe to suit the taste of my friends and myself, mostly by adding more Hpnotiq.

The Hip Coconut (modified)

1 ounce coconut rum
.5 ounce blue curaçao
1 ounce Hpnotiq
1 ounce pineapple juice


Pour over ice into shaker;
shake until frost forms,
strain into martini glass
garnished with pineapple wedge
or orange peel twist.

Until next time,

Drink with Care, Friends

The Concept

I remember working behind the bar. I loved it, made lots of friends and a ton of money. I had several regulars and the key was remembering exactly what they wanted before they even asked for it; making them feel like they were special.

One gentleman would come in every day after work and have one martini, just one, but he liked it the way he liked it. Pour a little vermouth into the glass, swirl it around, pour it out, add the gin, three olives and serve. My purpose was never to have the drink waiting for him when he sat down, but to let him watch the ritual that I would go through to make his martini exactly the way he wanted it. It made him feel special. When my guests attend my home now, I want them to feel the same way. I want to have what they like to drink on hand and I want to make it the way they like it.

In this blog you are likely to find a host of things and, it will evolve over time. I will post recipes I have created or modified, techniques I have learned, the history of certain things or interesting origins. It remains to be seen what comes of this experiment, but if nothing else, I hope that someone may be inspired to 'enjoy a drink' rather than 'having a drink'.

Until then,

Drink with Care, Friends.