Turn your elegant sipper into a fruity, colorful affair when you have a Strawberry Martini.
It’s a tough racket when you’re a hack screenwriter, trudging your way through the studio system and clacking away long into the night on your busted-down typewriter. Sitting in a one-room apartment off some crooked street in Franklin Hills is a far cry from the cliffs of Malibu, or even the quiet suburban stillness of Burbank, under the shadow of the Warner Bros. water tower. The glitz and glamour and limousines are far away from this side of the business, the side that makes something out of nothing. And in return, what does that side get? You guessed it.
It was only a few days before the holidays started and the town would soon empty out, with everyone heading back to all corners of the globe to visit the families they had left behind to chase their fortunes. The rest carted themselves off to Palm Springs, most likely with invites to Bob Hope’s Boxing Day party. That was when the call came. The studio needed rewrites on the sequel to Bela Lugosi Meets a Brooklyn Gorilla, and somehow, I was the writer for the job. I suppose I should’ve been flattered, and the money would get me through to the New Year, so there was that too. But still.
Anyway, with some of that scratch, I treated myself to a bushel of fresh strawberries. Then I muddled those juicy little suckers with some vodka, simple syrup, and lemon juice, shaking a sweet and strong tipple for myself to help those creative waves crash against the rocky shores of my mind. A Strawberry Martini was the reward I afforded myself ahead of a job well done, especially considering the gig.
These Brooklyn Boys were no Martin & Lewis, and I was no Dixon Steele.
What is the best vodka to use in a Strawberry Martini?
Since we’ll be muddling fresh hulled strawberries before shaking this cocktail up, a clean-tasting, unflavored vodka will be the best choice. My preferences lean toward Belvedere, Grey Goose, and Chopin when mixing with the spirit, and in this recipe, they’ll help give you a balanced tipple. The sweet, fruity taste and tartness from the lemon juice will swirl seamlessly together with the smooth, clear vodka, with none of the elements overtaking or disappearing amongst each other.
Ingredients
- 3 fresh strawberries hulled and sliced
- 1/2 ounce simple syrup
- 2 ounces vodka
- 1/2 ounce fresh lemon juice
- 1 small strawberry to garnish
Instructions
- Combine the sliced strawberries and simple syrup in your cocktail shaker and muddle them together.
- Add the vodka, lemon juice, and ice. Shake well.
- Double strain into a chilled martini glass and garnish with a small strawberry.
Nutrition
What glassware and garnish are used?
Chill a martini glass or cocktail coupe in your freezer or fill with ice as you prep your drink, then spill the cubes when ready. Once poured, garnish the rim with a small, fresh strawberry.
Is this considered an actual martini?
No. Technically speaking, this drink is a martini-inspired concoction, as a traditional one is mixed with gin or vodka and vermouth.
Other martini variations worth trying
So, you like a little sweet with your spirit, eh? Well, since the Strawberry Martini seems to have satisfied, you’ll be pleased to hear about a number of ‘tini-type treats that run the gamut of cocktail experiences. Try out a few of these below, then explore the site for even more fun and colorful ideas.
- Breakfast Martini – Why not start that first day of vacation with a late morning brunch beverage?
- Elderflower Martini – Here’s a tasty sipper that’s tart, sweet, and freshly floral tasting.
- Bikini Martini – A tropical and explosive mix of flavors can be found in this classic.
- Grapefruit Martini – Have a tangy and rich reward for a job well done with this fruity mixture.
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