Hello everyone, and welcome to 3-Ingredient Happy Hour, the weekly drink column featuring super simple, yet delicious libations. This week we’ll be sipping on an easy-to-mix, citrusy vodka martini.
Photo by Claire Lower.
Chill your glass for maximum refreshment. (Ignore the smudges, kthx.)
Very rarely do I order a martini that isn’t gin-based, but the other night my favourite bartender convinced me to try a beverage loosely based on Julie Reiner’s Flatiron Martini, and I was not mad about it. We made a few tweaks swapping out the Lillet for Cocchi Americano, a crisp and citrusy aperitif wine with a bitter edge. We also added a bar spoon of Cointreau, rather than go through the hassle of rinsing. The result was a strong but sippable cocktail with bright citrus notes and just a hint of sweetness. To make one, you will need:
- 45mL of good vodka (I’m currently very into Reyka)
- 45mL of Cocchi Americano
- A bar spoon’s worth (about 5mL) of Cointreau
- A strip of orange zest (omit this if you consider a garnish to be an ingredient.)
Pour everything into a mixing glass — a pint glass will work just fine — with some ice and stir until chilled. Strain everything into a chilled coupe glass. Squeeze the strip of orange zest (orange side down) into the beverage and rub the zest around the edge of the glass. Take sip, marvel at just how drinkable this stiff glass of booze is, and let it set the tone for your weekend.
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