Dilltini

As long as I'm doing Martini variations, let's get down with a Dilltini. At first this seems like a corny idea conceived in the 90s Martini craze. Actually it makes a lot of sense if you look at vodka's countries of origin.

Russia and Eastern Europe, where vodka comes from, are also pickle countries. Pickles are often served alongside flights of vodka shots and it is customary to dip the pickle in the shot glass or consume both in one mouthful. I've done this at Russia House and the effect is delightful.

Stolichnaya vodka is actually a wheat vodka, not potato. It is more clarified than Grey Goose, something to do with the filtration, I guess. But it has a slightly sweet taste. It doesn't back down to the brine of a single pickle. I was surprised that it was the pickle that picked up the Stolichnaya flavor and not the other way around. Don't add pickle brine to this Martini to make a Dirty Martini with the brine. That will completely ruin the balance and leave you feeling like you are just drinking the brine.

• 2 1/2 oz. vodka (Stolichnaya used)
• 1/2 oz. dry vermouth
• dill pickle

Combine vermouth and vodka in a shaker with ice and shake. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass and garnish with pickle.