Friday, March 23, 2012

Springtime Martini

Springtime Martini

The start of spring is an occasion well worth celebrating with a cocktail. Of course, I tend to think that the arrival of Friday is to be equally celebrated but that is not the point. The point is that spring arrived this week and did so in an appropriate fashion. It's been sunny with temperatures in the 60's and 70's all week. The trees will be blooming soon as will the tulips that are traditionally planted all over the city. I love when colorful tulips fall over the sides of a vase...

Springtime Martini
So, how to toast so much beauty and delight? Frozen vodka and rum drinks are great for summer, whiskeys and bourbons for winter. No, I say spring deserves a cool refreshing gin mixed with subtle fruit flavors. Here then is our version of a tasty, light and pretty drink that is most aptly named. Cheers!

 Per Serving:
2 oz. Gin
1/2 oz. Orange juice
1/2 oz. Pineapple juice
1/2 oz. Lime juice
1/2 oz. Simple Syrup
1/4 oz. Aperol *

Add all the ingredients to a cocktail shaker filled with ice and shake well. Pour into chilled martini glasses and garnish with lime.

*  If you're not familiar with Aperol, it is an Italian aperitif, somewhat bitter and with strong notes of grapefruit. I've never tried substituting grapefruit juice for it in this drink but I think it would probably work. 
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28 comments:

  1. Anna @ the shady pineMarch 23, 2012 at 2:14 AM

    What a gorgeous looking cocktail! Happy hour indeed!

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  2. TinaRBKMarch 23, 2012 at 6:03 AM

    Delicious blend of citrusy goodness here. I like that this has gin in it, I have not seen very much that I like in cocktail drinks with this, but yours sure looks like a winner. Delicious and refreshing!

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  3. Jennie @themessybakerblogMarch 23, 2012 at 10:27 AM

    This martini sounds delicious and very springy. I'm def. going to put this on my list. Thanks for sharing.

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  4. Dishing GourmetMarch 23, 2012 at 10:40 AM

    I might just have to make this in celebration of the first Friday in Spring!

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  5. grubarazziMarch 23, 2012 at 10:48 AM

    Oh boy do I need a few of these this weekend. Looks yummy!

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  6. spicebloggerMarch 23, 2012 at 11:04 AM

    This is great! Spring/Summer in a glass :D

    Thanks for joining Happy Hour Friday!

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  7. the constant hungerMarch 23, 2012 at 11:14 AM

    Love this cocktail recipe. Don't have Aperol but I can certainly use the Campari I have in my cupboard.

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  8. claire @ the realistic nutritionistMarch 23, 2012 at 11:48 AM

    Love this!! I'ts a perfect spring cocktail.

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  9. TrishMarch 23, 2012 at 12:17 PM

    Perfect Friday Fun for me! I don't have Aperol but I don have some grapefruit bitters in my cupboard. I'm thinking just a dash would work.

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  10. Lacy @ NYCityEatsMarch 23, 2012 at 12:50 PM

    MMmmm I could so use one of these on this gorgeous Spring Friday! All of those are important details to me too! Ha! This weather has been insane, I'd love to be sipping a delicious martini outside right now!

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  11. Georgia | The Comfort of CookingMarch 23, 2012 at 1:08 PM

    What a fabulously fresh, festive spring martini! This looks like it would definitely go down smooth. Thanks for sharing, Anita! Also, I’m having a great giveaway today with four potential prize winners, so you should enter!

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  12. Cucina49March 23, 2012 at 1:18 PM

    What a gorgeous cocktail--I've never had Aperol, but am definitely going to try it!

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  13. AbbyMarch 23, 2012 at 2:01 PM

    Sweet and refreshing just like spring! I'd never heard of Aperol before, I'll have to find it. Thanks for linking up :)

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  14. Choc Chip UruMarch 23, 2012 at 3:01 PM

    This martini looks so pretty! I love how gorgeous all your drinks always look :)

    Cheers
    Choc Chip Uru

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    Replies
    1. Anita at Hungry CoupleMarch 23, 2012 at 3:06 PM

      Just a few more years and you'll be able to enjoy them, too :)

      Delete
  15. ReneeMarch 23, 2012 at 4:14 PM

    Beautiful! I would love to have one right now. Cheers!

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  16. Erin @ Dinners, Dishes and DessertsMarch 23, 2012 at 5:05 PM

    Such a pretty color! Sounds great for happy hour tonight!

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  17. deniseMarch 23, 2012 at 6:21 PM

    And we might as well try it with Vodka too.

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    Replies
    1. Anita at Hungry CoupleMarch 23, 2012 at 6:28 PM

      Sure, why not?! Maybe even some rum and a blender full of ice? :)

      Delete
  18. Tastefully JulieMarch 23, 2012 at 8:29 PM

    Looks delish except Aperol, Campari, and Cynar all taste like poison to me ;)

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  19. Heidi {Young Grasshopper}March 23, 2012 at 8:46 PM

    I've been ALL over the Gin lately.... sorta turned into a series I'm calling Ginsanity.... Wanna guest post? :)

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  20. Coffeemomma1March 23, 2012 at 10:36 PM

    I will have to make this for my girls this summer. It looks like a perfect drink for by the pool. Thanks for the substitution as I am not familiar with that and not sure i would use it for anything else. When I make it i will reference you in my blog.

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  21. Liz That Skinny Chick Can BakeMarch 24, 2012 at 9:45 AM

    What a great way to start the weekend!!! Beautiful!

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  22. motherrimmyMarch 24, 2012 at 1:28 PM

    Can you believe I've yet to try a martini and I'll be 52 years old in May! Sounds like a good birthday wish for me to ask for. :)

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  23. Buttercream BlondieMarch 25, 2012 at 12:48 PM

    Fantastic drink! Love the color & the flavors!

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  24. Baker StreetMarch 26, 2012 at 10:54 AM

    Cheers Anita! I could be over soon if you'll start mixing up a couple of these for me. :)

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  25. StarrMarch 27, 2012 at 10:09 PM

    Oooh, this sounds really delicious -- it's definitely going on my list of spring/summer cocktails to try!

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  26. KiraMarch 28, 2012 at 8:26 PM

    I love this martini recipe! :)

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