Very Cold, Very Dry

This isn’t news to anyone living in 2026. It’s actually ridiculous how much prices have increased.

Every morning, I tell myself, “I won’t buy a Dunks (that’s the short word for Dunkin’, you West Coasters!) or get a little bag of M&M’s. Or my favorite mango smoothie.” But then the day goes on, and I think to myself, “Retail is HARD. I DESERVE-NO-NEED a treat to get through these next four hours of work.” And I give in. $4 there. $6 here. That’s not much to have a little treat every day, right?

WELL, today woke me up. I had my lunch out on the pier, watching the boats go by along The Boston Channel, enjoying the cool air across my face. I had about 20 minutes left on my break, and I decided I wanted some ice cream. Ben and Jerry’s is right across the street. It was almost like they were calling me to get some of their famous Half Baked.

I ask for the smallest scoop. Guess how much?

EIGHT DOLLARS!. For a SCOOP of ice cream?! A PINT at Target is averages $5.59!

I understand times are tough, but really?! I’ll be buying pints from now on.

But you know what’s a good deal? A bottle of Bombay Sapphire! For $25.99, I can get almost 8 martinis (100 ml) each, at the coast of $3.24 per glass. Sounds like a bargain to me!

So, maybe times are tough, but a bottle of gin should not be breaking the bank!

So, instead of my favorite gin or vodka for the week, here are my top 5 gin and vodkas that won’t break the bank (and taste delicious!) and all under $40!

Bombay Sapphire – The gold standard of gins. You can find it anywhere – at your local Packie store (again, that’s what a liquor store is called in New England, you West Coasters!), a chain liquor store, even Costco. This is a staple you should always have on your shelf.

Hendricks – I like to give this to those who don’t want a straight London Dry Gin, but a little floral kick to offset the strong taste of Gin. Pair it with a cucumber, and it’s the ultimate martini of the Summer.

Plymouth Gin – Cheaper than the two gin brands above, this is a great alternative to Plymouth. Most recipes in cocktail books use this gin, and for good reason. It’s reasonable priced, has the London Dry taste, and doesn’t break the bank. However, you’ll be more likely to find this in higher end liquor stores.

Tanqueray Gin – To be honest, I don’t typically use this for straight gin martinis. However, it’s the only one in the group that I use as a gin and tonic (it’s the gold standard for this classic cocktail, after all!), so why not add this to the bar. I think of those warm, Summer California nights with my stepdad. I’m drinking a martini, and he a gin and tonic. Make sure to have limes stocked in the fridge!

Barr Hill – A shoutout to my Mother-in-Law. This is her favorite gin. Have to shoutout this locally made gin, that has a nice hint of honey. She likes to drink it straight with ice. I recommend you follow suit.

My favorite martini tool of the week:

Let’s go with my favorite tried and true martini garnish – Mezzetta olives! Sure, you can get a fancy, artisanal brand, but honestly, just go to your local grocery store and buy these. They’re plump, big enough to stuff them with bleu cheese, and the juice is perfect for when you want your martini dirty. Sometimes, “Storebought is just fine!” (Thanks, Ina!). Please, Mezzetta, let’s collab!

Music I’m listening to:

I truly only listen to what I call Hotel Lobby Jazz (my aesthetic) or 70’s music my Dad used to listen to. But one album that truly never gets old, and is perfect for sitting out on the porch with an ice-cold martini is no other than Bob Seger.

Yes, this is a very popular album, but for good reason. I can’t get enough. I feel like I should be on a vast, open field, drinking beer on my red pickup truck. But it also works for drinking a nice cold martini on a small deck as you hear the highway hum behind you. Nothing like the 70’s.

My martini icon this week is…

Let’s take back even further to the late 1930’s, right before WWII happens. Picture this: A small, quaint little town in Yorkshire England. There’s one pub, The Drovers. There’s one bus coming in and out. Acres of farmland.

If you guessed “All Creatures Great and Small”, then you win the prize (It’s a delicious martini, congratulations)!

If you’re not familiar with this adorable show, it’s about a young vet named James who comes to work with curmudgeon Siegfried Farnon, an established vet in this small town in England. He also bonds with Siegfried’s younger brother, Tristan, who is kind of a screw up, trying to follow in Siegfrieds shadow. Mrs. Hall, the housekeeper, is the glue that keeps everyone together (and in check). Each episode follows along their adventures as they navigate helping animals in this small town. Helen is James’ love interest. Here, she is going to a party in an adorable pea coat. When she takes it off, she reveals a beautiful blue velvet dress. The only accessory that works with this ensemble is the classic martini.

Do yourself a favor and get your martini ready as you dive into one of my favorite shows of all time. Each season is consistently heartwarming, funny, and poignant. Rare nowadays.

Whatever you decide to do to treat yourself, I hope you know you deserve it! Cheers!