It's not often that I write about the art of mixology on this blog, as let's face it...it's not my specialty. I do, however enjoy a nice cocktail and appreciate it being a big part of the culinary experience. So for that reason, I'd love to bring you this easy recipe for a dirty pickle martini that Dan made up recently, inspired by the goodies I got from the latest Queens Swap.
As I mentioned earlier, one of the fabulous items I scored at the last Queens Swap was a jar of spicy dill pickles, made by Amy. They're fantastically strong in flavor, and contain the most pungent sour pickle juice that Dan thought perfect to mix with some good vodka. So there he went, combining Amy's pickle juice with some Ketel One and a pickle slice too for good luck. Here's how you make it:
Dan's Pickle Martini
Ingredients (serves 1)
3 oz of good quality vodka (such as Kettle One)
3 tbs of pickle juice
1 or 2 pieces of pickles
Directions:
Pour all liquid ingredients into a cocktail shaker and mix well. Pour into a martini or bourbon glass and top with a pickle slice. Enjoy with something particularly luxurious (ummm chocolate covered bacon?!)
Image by www.becomingachef.comLast week's DCA 4th Annual Sidewalk Cafe Mix-Off held at The Institute of Culinary Education produced excellent results for one of our very own, Ovelia Psistaria. Although they didn't take home the big crown, they were the first runner up for this year's must-have drink with their homemade Sikatini.
Ovelia proved to be a strong contender amongst the stiff competition, which included Justin Timberlake's Southern Hospitality (the winner), Da Silvano, Chow Bar, Roots and Vines, Mustang Grill, Jack Bistro, Taboon, Astoria's Cafe Bar and Tony's di Napoli. The judges at the event included acclaimed food experts, Gael Greene, judge of Bravo's Top Chef Masters being one of them.
Ovelia's Sikatini, created by John and Litsa Giannakas is a fig cocktail that has become something of a legend amongst Astorians. You'll notice it resting in a big, glass jar at the bar--and its dark, pungent color will make you stop and wonder, "what is that?" I almost solved the puzzle by asking Chris, one of Ovelia's owners about the contents of this drink to which he replied, "it's a mix of metaxa, vodka infused with dried figs and the secret ingredient which you can see when you look in the glass jar." There's only one way to find out...try it for yourself and see what the hype's all about.
Ovelia Psistaria - 34-01 30th Ave, Astoria, NY 11103
718.721.7217
N/W Train to 30th Avenue
www.ovelia-ny.com
