Eau De Vie: A Martini For Spring

recently made a classic Martini, for the first time…for my Books and Booze series. I have to admit that I’ve been pretty dismissive of vermouth in the past, but I’m coming around to how it might be a thing. So, for this weeks cocktail I thought I would use that classic Martini as inspiration. In addition to gin and vermouth I wanted to make use of some of my lesser used bottles, and so I reached way into the back of my bar and picked out a bottle of Raspberry Eau De Vie.

This martini is very subtle with just the slightest hint of sweetness and raspberry notes that work perfectly with the floral botanicals in Highclere Castle’s Gin. I’m generally a proponent of a shaken drink, but in the spirit of expanding my horizons I’ve been stirring this, and I really can’t complain. If you love a classic Martini but are looking for something a bit different, or you happen to have a bottle of Eau De Vie hanging around the back of your bar, this is a great option. 

Eau De Vie

1.75 oz. Highclere Castle London Dry Gin
0.50 oz. Dolin’s Dry Vermouth
0.50 oz. Lillet Blanc
0.25 oz. Etter Waldhimbeere framboise Eau De Vie
1-2 drops Fee Brothers East Indian Orange Bitters 
Garnish with lemon twist

Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass with ice, stir until chilled and slightly diluted. Strain into a chilled Nick and Nora glass, express a lemon twist over the glass and place on the side. 

Cheers!