OMG! Ponies!

The Bacon Mary was a success.  I love it, especially after a long day of coding documents.  But it’s February which means I need a new drink.  As promised, the Bacotini.

Here’s how I approached the Bacotini:  (1) don’t try to make it a classic Martini; (2) don’t try to make it a vodka Martini; (3) don’t try to make it a Holy Martini (a la Holy Basil on East 12th Street in Manhattan).  Instead, I wanted something new.  So, of course, I started with something old.  Two “something-old”s to be specific – the Hendrick’s Martini and the Vesper Martini.

For those who don’t know, the Vesper Martini is 3 parts Gordon’s London Dry, 1 part grain/rye vodka and a 1/2 part of Lillet Blanc.  It gets its name from Casino Royale, the first James Bond book by Ian Fleming.  The Hendrick’s Martini is a variation of the classic Martini which uses Hendrick’s Gin (which has a taste of cucumber to it), a hint of dry vermouth and a cucumber slice as a garnish.  Accordingly, I decided to combine the vodka hybridization of the Vesper with the alternative taste of Henrick’s.  Then, things took a spicy taste.  The recipe is after the jump.

For those who have been watching too much politics this week, this is Super Bowl weekend.  Which means I make chili.  With fresh jalepeno peppers.  And canned.  My taste arithmetic got going and I decided to make a Bacotini with heat.  It is the manliest Martini ever.  

• 4 parts Hendrick’s Gin
• 1 part Absolut Peppar Vodka
• 1/2 part Lillet 
• 1/2 part Noilly Pray Dry Vermouth
• 1/4 part juice from canned pickled jalepeno peppers
• 1/4 tsp. Bacon Salt (any variety)
• 2 slices of fresh jalepeno (sliced on a bias with no seeds)

In a cocktail shaker, pour jalepeno juice, followed by the Bacon Salt.  Swirl the shaker to blend.  After the juice and Bacon Salt have blended, pour in vermouth, then Lillet, then gin, then the vodka.  Drop in 3 to 4 ice cubes, cover and shake well until shaker is frosty.  Pour into a Martini glass and garnish with the jalepeno slices.

The resulting drink is spicy with a bit of a kick and a Bacon backbone.  Serve with chili and football.