CHOW DOWN

Today's CHOW DOWN is a cocktail that sounds very interesting... what cocktails are you serving at your holiday shindig?

Black Pepper Martini

TIME/SERVINGS

Total: Under 5 mins

Active: Under 5 mins

Makes: 1 drink

By Amy Wisniewski

When it comes to martinis, everyone has his personal preference. In this exotic take on the classic, the gin is definitely the star, but a splash of pepper syrup adds unexpected heat.

What to buy: We tried this cocktail with very dry, less perfumed gin, but Hendrick’s won for its moderate juniper and floral flavors.

We also sampled dry and very dry vermouths, and found even with the addition of the pepper syrup, a dry vermouth like Noilly Prat had the best balance.

This recipe was featured as part of our Bring Happy Hour Home story.

INGREDIENTS

• 2 1/2 ounces gin
• 1/2 ounce dry vermouth
• 1/2 ounce Black Peppercorn Syrup
• Ice

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Combine all ingredients in a shaker filled with ice. Stir with a bar spoon, and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Serve.