Ask A Denver Bartender: Your Top Martini Recipe
There is something special about the perfect martini. Of course, the perfect martini will vary from person to person. Some like it strong and dry, others prefer it sweet. However, the great thing about the martini is that there are so many different varieties that there is a recipe to please any palate. The important thing is that you have it made by an excellent bartender. When the right person gets behind the bar and starts to mix together the right, high-quality ingredients, magic happens, and the result is a martini that is practically perfect in every way.
Jeremy Matzke
Inga's Alpine Lounge
5151 Leetsdale Drive
Denver, CO 80246
(720) 389-6203
www.ingasalpinelounge.com
Inga's Alpine Lounge is quickly becoming one of the more popular bars in Denver. It's been voted among the best new bars in several local publications due to its warm and cozy interior and impeccable service. One step inside the funky ski lodge-style bar and you'll feel like you've been whisked away on a winter vacation set sometime in the recent past. With lots of plush booths, retro furnishings, huge patio and a truly beautiful fireplace, Inga's is the type of place that is perfect to help you unwind after a long day. Plus, all the specialty drinks here are named for James Bond movies and Bond girls, making the concoctions almost as much fun to order as they are to drink. Here, owner Jeremy Matzke shares three of his favorite martini recipes available at Inga's Alpine Lounge, and just as expected, all of these Bond martinis are served "shaken, not stirred."
The Vesper
You don't have to decide between vodka and gin to enjoy this martini. Plus, it's made from local Spring 44 Gin made in Loveland. So not only will you be sipping this bright, flavorful drink in style, but you'll be supporting local businesses. It's the drink Bond made up while gambling away England's money and named after Vesper Lynd - the accountant turned Bond girl in "Casino Royale."
Ingredients
- Three ounces Spring 44 Gin
- One ounce Tito's Vodka
- 1/2 ounce Lillet
Directions
- Combine all ingredients into a shaker over ice.
- Shake well.
- Pour into a martini glass.
- Garnish with a lemon peel.
Related: Top Bars To Get Local Spirits In Denver
Skyfall
The strong flavors in this Bond-inspired drink create the perfectly sweet sip for anyone that prefers their martinis on the sweeter side. The addition of the peach schnapps gives it that extra sweet flavor, just make sure to keep this one ice cold as you shake it, blending all the flavors together perfectly. This crowd-pleasing cocktail is perfect to serve up at any party.
Ingredients
- One ounce Sapphire Gin
- One ounce peach schnapps
- One ounce Blue Curacao
Directions
- Combine all ingredients into a shaker over ice.
- Shake well.
- Pour into a martini glass.
- Garnish with an orange peel.
Related: Top Bars For Hipsters In Denver
Moonraker
If your favorite "Bond" is Roger Moore, then order up the Moonraker. This inspired cocktail is served without garnishes, nothing frilly or fancy to distract you from the classic tastes of the strong flavors. Just like the film, this cocktail is pure style and elegance, and is the perfect concoction to sip while sitting by the fireplace, enjoying some engaging conversation about how to hide a space station.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 ounces Spring 44 Honey Vodka
- Splash of ginger beer
Directions
- Combine all ingredients into a shaker over ice.
- Shake well.
- Pour into a rocks glass
- Served with iced with no garnish.
Deborah Flomberg is a theater professional, freelance writer and Denver native. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
