In fact it's a "Pickle Holiday." Literally, that's the name of a new drink based on the Dirty Martini. It's brought to us and Tonia's Kitchen by Carey Jones and John McCarthy, a dynamic home-bartending duo behind the new mixology book Every Cocktail has a twist. And the twist on this Dirty Martini is the use of cornichon brine, as opposed to olive brine. It's a clearer, lighter brine that offers a unique taste for those expecting the usual salty sip.
2 ounces vodka
½ ounce dry vermouth
½ ounce cornichon brine
2 pickled cornichons, for garnish
1 pickled onion (from the cornichon jar), for garnish
In a mixing glass, combine all the ingredients. Fill the mixing glass three-quarters full of ice. Stir for 30 seconds and strain into a rocks glass filled with ice. Express a 3- to 4-inch strip of orange peel, skin side down, over the surface of the drink. Run the skin around the rim of the glass to distribute the citrus oils, and add the peel, skin side up, to the cocktail. Repeat with a 3-inch strip of lemon peel.
