Despite what you might reckon, the Martini wasn’t the world’s first cocktail according to Robert Simonson’s pour-de-force, The Martini Cocktail: A Meditation on the World’s Greatest Drink (available at BookHampton). It didn’t even warrant mention in print until the late 1800s, But once that magical mix of gin (the original Martini spirit of choice) and vermouth mingled in the glass? Well, you know the end of the story — there is no end.
Since its skyrocket to popularity, it’s had more spin-offs than “Yellowstone.” Or “Star Trek.” Or “All in the Family.” That is to day: a lot! But despite all the ‘inis in the world (which we fully expect to continue into infinity as long as alcohol remains in the world), perhaps the most enduring and popular: the Dirty.
While a Dirty Martini sounds more like an accident (“Oops! I spilled olive brine into my glass!”) than a thoughtful choice, it actually likely has been around almost as long as the Martini itself. And while we are gin lovers over here at Southforker, the great thing about vodka in a Dirty is really lets the briny boost take center stage. Next to a plate of oysters? Boy oh boy.
We dig ALB Vodka’s version for a couple of reasons: 1) How can you not like a good use of peperoncini? And 2) it’s made in New York, friends, up at Albany Distilling Company, and we sure do like to support our Empire State distilling friends. The best part? You don’t have to go all the way to the state capital to get it; you can nab yours at Park Place Wines & Liquors, Bottle Hampton or Westhampton Fine Wine. Dig it!
The Peperontini
Ingredients
- 2 oz ALB Vodka
- 1 oz dry vermouth
- 1 oz peperoncini brine
- 1 whole peperoncini, for garnish
Directions
- In a mixing glass with ice, combine all liquid ingredients.
- Stir until well-chilled, about 10 to 15 seconds.
- Strain into a chilled martini or coupe glass.
- Garnish with the peperoncini. Cheers!
