Hello, Martini Lovers! Happy Friday! Hope you are having a good week so far. Whether you’re watching the clock until it’s time to enjoy the weekend, or still pushing through, I hope you’re taking some time to rest. Even if it’s just a power nap before your shift, or a quick meditation, we all need something to soothe our nervous system.
As you may have noticed, it’s been awhile since I’ve posted. Both of us work in the hospitality industry, and I recently got a new role. With jobs that require us to be in-person, available on the weekends, and have an open schedule, we have to work extra hard to ensure we make the most of our time together. For us, that’s talking briefly about our day while eating dinner in the living room, hiding under our blankets in silence, and watching our favorite comfort show. And when we can, enjoy sipping on our very, cold, very dry martinis.
So today’s Martini Friday theme is self care. Because with everything going on in the world, and our anxieties at maximum capacity, we need to find ways to calm ourselves as much as we can. That’s not always possible and can be very difficult, but all we can do is our best, whatever that means for you at this time.
Which goes into my favorite gin or vodka of the week: Whatever makes your martini, well, yours. Like the $10 gin? Great! The new artisanal gin that was recommended by your local liquor store? Fantastic! It’s all about what makes you look forward to enjoying that first sip. Mine is Bombay Sapphire. It’s dependable, delicious and easy to pair with a variety of garnishes. Always have yours on had, because nobody wants to have to worry about buying gin after a long day!
The Self-Care Martini
You got your fave gin, so now let’s get into today’s martini. This is for the ones who want to open their fridge and have a beautiful martini, ready to go at after a long day. This is a make-ahead recipe, so all you have to do is mix it with ice, put into the glass, and enjoy as soon as you get home.
Ingredients:
Approximately 3 oz (100ml) of Gin Actually, who cares how much! Just pour whatever looks good! Self care!
Splash of Vermouth Dolin is a great brand, but again, use what you have!
Bleu Cheese Olives, Olives, Onions or Lemon Twist for garnish (We like these olives and onions). I like having a snack in my drink. Unless you eat lemon peels, you do you. Or, just take a slice of lemon and call it a Spa Martini!
Crushed ice No warm martinis for us!
Tools:
Martini Glass Again! Use your favorite one! Or hey, how about a drinking glass? Harder to break!
Carafe or Drinking Glass To store your martini while it stays cold.
Cocktail Stirrer Don’t have one? Use a spoon!
Mixing Glass or Measuring Cup – but don’t look at the measurements! Just eyeball and fill it up to the top!
Scale NAH! Pour it out!
Garnish pick For onions or olives. Heck, stick the lemon peel on it! We’re fancy!
As soon as you wake up, before you even get that morning routine going, put that glass in the freezer! Make sure it stays nice and cold while you’re slogging away at your shift. NOTHING can ruin your enjoyment of the perfect martini, waiting just for you.
Next, mix your desired amount (no judgment here!), with a couple light splashes of Vermouth into a mixing glass. Do not mix it at this point. Leave it in the glass and put it in the fridge.
Get your garnish together and stick it on a pick. Put on an airtight container in the fridge.
Go to work and think about your martini.
Arrive home, throw all your work clothes on the floor, get those pajamas on, and head to the kitchen. Leave the mess for tomorrow!
Next, add crushed ice to the mixing glass until the mixture is covered to the top. Stir until well chilled, and the outside of the mixing glass is very cold. Drop the garnish in. Enjoy immediately.
My favorite martini tool of the week:
Whatever makes you happy! Mine is the glass that serves the martini. This is my current favorite.
Music I’m listening to:
Wanna dance to Rhianna before she quit music? Get that Umbrella (ella ella) turned on loud! Feeling a 70’s vibe with Fleetwood Mac’s Rumors? Rock on! You do you! For me, I am loving Jordan Ward. He is an artist from St. Louis, and this is his second studio album. I love the blend of R&B, jazz and all accompanied by beautiful vocals. Perfect modern music for a fun, lounge vibe.
And last but not last, our Martini Icon is YOU. For working hard, trying your best, and treating yourself when you can, even if it’s just a martini. Cheers to making it how you like it, because that’s self care.
Well, it’s time to make my martini and hunker down. Stay safe and treat yourself! Self care is important!
Very Cold, Very Dry 
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