Sloe Gin Martini

A beautifully chilled martini made with sloe gin and equal measures of bianco and rosso vermouth. Fruity, gently sweet and softly herbaceous, with a deep berry character that makes it especially lovely for Christmas and long summer evenings.

Sloe gin has always been my favourite gin. Not only at Christmas, but all year round, for that deep berry flavour and soft sweetness that makes it so easy to love.

For this martini I pair it with equal measures of bianco and rosso vermouth. The bianco keeps things light and aromatic, while the rosso adds a little warmth and depth, and together they leave the sloe gin firmly at the centre of the glass. Stirred over plenty of ice until properly cold, it pours smooth and fruity, sweet without ever tipping into dessert.

Its ruby colour is what carried it into our Christmas collection. I finish mine simply, with a fresh strawberry on a gold cocktail pick. No syrups and no long shopping list, just three bottles, a full mixing glass and a few quiet minutes before everyone sits down.

Prep: 5 min · Serves: 1 · Cuisine: Australian · Category: Drinks

Ingredients

Sloe Gin Martini

• 60 ml sloe gin
• 30 ml Cinzano Bianco
• 30 ml Cinzano Rosso
• Ice, for stirring
• 1 fresh strawberry, to garnish

Method

1. Fill a mixing glass generously with ice.
2. Pour in the sloe gin, Cinzano Bianco and Cinzano Rosso.
3. Stir for 20 to 30 seconds, until the outside of the glass feels very cold.
4. Strain into a chilled martini glass.
5. Garnish with a fresh strawberry on a cocktail pick and serve straight away.

Notes

Use plenty of ice. A well-filled mixing glass chills the martini quickly and gives it just the small amount of dilution it needs to taste smooth.

Chill the martini glass beforehand if you can. Even ten minutes in the freezer keeps the drink cold for longer once poured.

Once opened, keep both vermouths in the fridge with their lids on tightly. Vermouth is a wine, and it stays fresh and bright far longer when chilled.

Serving Suggestion

Serve this alongside the Cheesy Bacon & Spinach Christmas Wreath while everyone gathers, or pour it after the Portuguese Christmas Ham with Madeira Glaze with a plate of Traditional Christmas Mince Pies. For a little martini menu, set it beside the Lychee and Elderflower Martini, and finish the evening with a Tiramisu Martini.

The Grace Table Tip

Remember it as two parts sloe gin to one part each of bianco and rosso. The ratio is easy to hold in your head, so you can make one for yourself or a round for the table without ever reaching for the recipe.

For a gathering, measure the gin and vermouths into a jug ahead of time and keep it in the fridge. Stir each serve over fresh ice just before pouring.