Thursday, April 15, 2010

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!

15 comments:

Ipmilat said...

Most cocktails sound to dedicated soaks such as me like the alcoholic equivalent of playing with your food (stoppit!!!) but this one does sound attractively grown up. I tried Hendrick's gin a while ago. Intriguing, but not sufficiently so to make me abandon Gordon's. However, the combination of this with green tea might just tempt me. Am waiting for the right guest to make it worthwhile getting the ingredients in.

The Diva on a Diet said...

vilges suola - you can definitely make this one with Gordon's as well. I'm just trying to counsel the anti-gin crowd towards the better gins and Gordon's does qualify. If you do try it, I'd love to hear what you think.

Grown-up is a good description, it is grown up. And lovely too. Thanks! :)

Jewels For Hope said...

I love this idea! As I said earlier, I'm not much of a gin fan- but I LOVE green tea! I think I will give this one a try this weekend :) Once I do, I will definitely let you know my thoughts!

Tangled Noodle said...

No need to convince this crowd - Mr. Noodle is enjoys both vodka and gin equally. I reminded him this evening about your gin challenge and we now have plans to experiment this weekend. 8-)

Deb in Hawaii said...

Looks delicious--love that flash-infusing process especially. I am going to have to borrow that technique. ;-)

Unknown said...

Ah, you are geetting ready for the weekend I see? What a fabulous looking martini.
*kisses* HH

The Diva on a Diet said...

Jewels - I'll be curious to see what you think! Try it with vodka too, if you like.

Tangled Noodle - God bless you! You may be the only one willing to enter the Challenge! Can't wait to hear what you and Mr. Noodle come up with! :)

Deb - by all means do borrow it, I sure did! And let me know how it goes!

HH - thanks! Have a lovely weekend yourself! xoxoxo

Mo Diva said...

two things:
1. i need to try gin... im almost 27 and have never tried gin. what is wrong with me

2. i love martinis and i love green tea... we might have a winner here diva

Dana McCauley said...

I was actually very inspired by your gin request - I've just been too busy to get mixing!

Vilges, I love Hendricks gin - it's my fav.


I'm just not that into Green tea but this drink does look fantastic.

dining tables said...

This is a new kind of cocktail for me. I think I have to try this one because it looks good.

HeatherinSF said...

What a marvelous idea! Once I get back to my own little roost I will be cocktailing with your recipe and my wonderful green tea sachets from the holidays. Cheers my friend!

The Vintage Kitten said...

I never used to like Gin, but it is soooo much better than Vodka. Gin Martini every time for me! X

Anonymous said...

This drink sounds terrific with the green tea addition!

pixelgal said...

One could almost call it 'healthy' or at least good for you! Green tea is supposed to cure things, isn't it?

Anonymous said...

A belated thank you for the shout-out! Your photo looks just mouthwatering. Yum.

Love the tea with lemon & honey concept! Sometimes I find honey is too thick or sticky to combine well in cocktails...I very recently learned how to make honey syrup (combine it with an equal amount of hot water & stir to dissolve). Couldn't believe it took me so long to learn this...