It might have been a long time coming, but here's the final cocktail in my Minnesota series. One martini for each season.
Winter: Gunflint Martini - A unique martini reminiscent of a cold winter day up north.
Spring: Ladyslipper Martini - This martini has delicate flavors like the fragile new flowers of spring.
Summer: Wobegon Martini - A cool refreshing martini that reminds one of summer days on the farm and fresh cut grass.
Fall: Wendigo Martini - The final martini that heralds in the earthy aroma of falling leaves.
In this cocktail, I knew I wanted to capture the taste and aroma of the earthy smell of fall's dying flora. The Earl Grey infused gin I created was definitely close but a bit overpowering for the rest of the flavors I wanted to include. After many experiments, I decided to create an apple based martini for color and flavor and add herbal liquors to create the earth tone. Applejack is good because the flavor is subtle. Combined with the Swedish liquor Aquavit, it's nearly perfect. Then a couple of hints of other earthy ingredients and I have another winner:
- 2 oz Aquavit
- 2 oz Applejack Brandy
- 1/2 oz Green Chartruese
- 1/2 oz Earl Grey infused gin*
- 1 dash Angostura Bitters
- Lemon
Chill an up glass with crushed ice and water. Shake the ingredients with ice in a shaker until it sweats. Strain into the glass and garnish with a lemon spiral and a couple of small, fresh fall leaves.
