Thirsty Thursdays: Green Tea Martini Edition

Ok, people, its clear we need to talk about this whole gin thing. I knew I was taking a risk when I selected gin for my first Thirsty Thursdays Cocktail Challenge. I knew that many of you have expressed a preference for vodka. But here's the thing: anything you can make with vodka you can make with gin ... and it will be better!

Why? Because gin is more flavorful. Because of the botanicals with which gin is made, it is inherently more flavorful - thus your cocktails will be more flavorful. Now, don't get me wrong, I have nothing against vodka, I quite like it, in fact. But if you're serious about cocktails, and heaven knows I am, then you seriously need to start working with gin.

Thus, I propose a little experiment for those interested. Today, I'm featuring a gin based green tea martini. My suggestion for experimentation is that you make this same drink twice - once with vodka and once with gin. Then decide for yourself which one tastes better. I know what I think, but your mileage may vary, of course.

Green Tea Martini:

• 1 green tea bag
• hot water
• 3 ounces of premium quality gin (I use Hendrick's)
• 1/2 teaspoon honey
• 2 to 3 drops white vermouth
• 1/2 ounce fresh lemon juice
• wheel of lemon for garnish

Place tea bag into a mug and over it pour some hot water, just to cover. Let sit for 10 seconds and remove tea bag. Place gin into small glass container and to it add the tea bag. Allow the mixture to steep for five minutes, then remove tea bag and discard it. To the infused gin, add 1/2 teaspoon of honey and stir to blend.

Place 2 to 3 drops of white vermouth into a martini glass. Swirl the glass to coat with the vermouth, then dump out any excess. Reserve the glass.

Fill a martin shaker with ice and over it pour the infused gin and the lemon juice. Shake well until the outside of the shaker frosts then strain into the prepared martini glass. Garnish with a wheel of lemon. Serve and enjoy, repeat as necessary!

As written this recipe will yield one amazingly refreshing cocktail.

The flavor of the green tea pairs beautifully with gin, especially Hendrick's. The lemon and honey round the whole thing out and, together, they form one ethereal elixir. Honestly, its a magical combination. I hope you'll try it!

I have to thank Kara Newman for highlighting the flash-infusing process on her blog a while back. She posted a recipe for a Daikon Green Tea-ni that looks absolutely smashing. As soon as I read it, I knew I wanted to try it. And I will ... soon. This time, however, I opted for the honey and lemon for the simple reason that my throat's been scratchy and tea with honey and lemon is the perfect cure ... made that much better by the addition of gin, of course!

Consider this my subtle plea to step away from the vodka bottle and give gin a try. You might be pleasantly surprised. And, hopefully, you'll be inspired to enter my April Thirsty Thursdays Cocktail Challenge.

Cheers!