Summer Martinis: The St Germain Appeaser and Averna Sofisticato
Now don’t take this to mean I’m a full fledged wino, but I get really excited about well prepared cocktails, good wine, and nicely crafted beer. On the cocktail side, I’ve waxed philosophically about the benefits of aperitifs and amari such as Lillet, Antica Carpano, and Nonino and I’ve enjoyed them straight up with a bit of ice for the last couple of months. However with the summer season in full swing I’ve brought out the cocktail shaker and ice and have been experimenting a bit. The “Spring research phase” has yielded two, in my humble view, spectacular summer martinis:
- The St. Germain, Bombay Sapphire Gin, and Lime Juice Appeaser
- The Averna, Carpano Antica Formula Red Vermouth, Bombay Sapphire Gin, and Lime Juice Sofisticato
Let’s start with the Appeaser which can quell arguments amongst friends and lovers given it’s wonderful mouth feel and flavor (it’s also my wife’s personal favorite):
Ingredients:
- Juice of 1/2 lime
- 1 oz. of St Germain
- 2 ozs of Bombay Sapphire Gin
- Fresh Ice
Process:
Grab your favorite cocktail shaker and place all of the ingredients into shaker and give the items 2-3 violent shakes. You’re not looking to shake the ingredients for a prolonged period of time, rather you want to simply combine the ingredients and get them nice and cold. Pour the contents in a cold martini glass. If you’re wondering about St. Germain it’s a French made liquor comprised of elderflower and sugar with notes of wild flowers, pear, and sour grapefruit.
Next, the Sofisticato which is named as such because the drink is the ideal mix of the right flavors, ingredients, and style.
Ingredients:
- Juice of 1/2 lime
- 1 oz. of Carpano Antica Formula Red Vermouth (try not to substitute the red vermouth with a generic variety as the cocktail flavor will change dramatically)
- 1 oz of Bombay Sapphire Gin
- 1 oz of Averna
- Fresh Ice
Process:
Grab your favorite cocktail shaker and place all of the ingredients into shaker and give the items 2-3 violent shakes. You’re not looking to shake the ingredients for a prolonged period of time, rather you want to simply combine the ingredients and get them nice and cold. Pour the contents in a cold martini glass.
Hello. Is the appeaser a drink that will be known by a good bartender? Or it it your own creation and name? Many thanks…Tom
Hi Tom,
I made up the “appeaser” but I’m sure a good bartender would mix the drink for you!
Let me know if you try it!
Vince