Artini gets creative with cocktails

THE LADY WHO LUNCHES

Over the last few years, a classic cocktail that signifies a James Bond 007-style sophistication and elegance has been given a multicolored flavorful Katy Perrystyle recipe lift. From savory to sweet, these creations are so varied the only similarity to the original may be the use of vodka and the traditional martini-style glass.

Artini, an annual martini competition held each spring to support programming for the Bossier Arts Council, is always a great time to sample the latest concepts of our area’s best restaurants and bartenders. Leading up to the event is a fun atmosphere of friendly competition, experimenting and testing secret recipes, and naming of the cocktails. During the event, guests wearing cocktail attire, of course, mingle sampling more than 15 submissions, while enjoying music and the artwork of the featured Artini Artist of the Year.

The original martini is made with gin or vodka with a touch of dry vermouth garnished with olives or a twist of lemon zest. My first experience was during my first Christmas in the Sky event, where I attempted to put out my first taste of sushi generously dipped in wasabi with my very first taste of a Sky Vodka martini. See the problem there? For years I would’ve told you that I did not love a martini, until I tried one made with gin. Who knew that I would like the herbed juniper flavor of gin? Make that a Dirty Dirty Gin Martini with three olives.

Afficionados will say that the proper method is to prepare a martini or any booze-forward drink with a special spoon, so as not to chip the ice or dilute the drink. However, much to the chagrin of bartenders everywhere, my preference is still the oft-quoted request of 007: “Shaken, not stirred.” In most recipes, I enjoy the crisp, icy shards in my cocktails.

The Most M’artisinal Martini, awarded by the judges to the Artini competitor who they feel was most inventive, was awarded to Fast Eddie’s for The Gold. They were so intent on presenting their best effort that they gave it a name synonymous with winning. Nick Peer solidified their Three Olives plain vodka with a broth including seaweed extract to create a firm, savory, jelled square topped with a sliver of flaky, smoked salmon, masago roe and a glitzy touch of edible gold leaf. The salty burst of the tiny roe made a nice contrast to the finishing notes of smooth vodka that came through at the end. The guests seemed to be split into two groups of either love or dislike, and I was firmly in the fan category.

The judge’s choice for Best Martini was Margaritaville Resort Casino’s submission, Strawberry Feels. The fresh strawberry flavor added to the plain vodka was complemented with the crisp contrast of cucumber. Garnished with a slice of tiny cucumber and strawberry, this martini was very popular with guests who joked happily about it being served with healthy snacks.

Another competitor, Zocolo’s, paired Three Olives strawberry vodka with fresh cilantro and lime. While the strawberry flavor was always present, the cilantro and lime flavors seemed to take turns coming forward. It was like two delicious cocktails in one.

The People’s Choice was a bright, refreshing flavor of Twisted Root’s Lime and Ginger Root Martini. Vodka was enhanced with ginger bitters, fresh lime, a touch of Sprite, and garnished with a candied ginger. The ginger added a spicy heat that went well with the cool citrus. In a room full of competition, it was a lighter, more spritely option that was very popular.

The American Beauty, created by Abby Singer’s Bistro, was a personal favorite. The deep, red roses decorating their table along with the silky rose petals placed in individual martini glasses were a perfect accompaniment to the fragrant delicate taste of their martini. It tasted like a graceful literary version of what a martini should grow up to become. While they may not have taken home the trophy this year, as they have several years in the past, their originality has us still talking and remembering their martini with a smile.

Flying Heart Brewing also offered us a tantalizing new taste in martinis with The Hot Blonde. They enhanced Three Olives citrus vodka with their Six of Hearts beer and an infusion of habañero and serrano peppers, citrus and cinnamon. Their masterful blend of flavors was lightly complex with just the right touch of heat at the end. It’s no wonder we get excited whenever we hear the brewery is having a new flavor release.

My pick for most fun was the Caketini by Alky Therapy. Her daiquiri shop is known for fanciful, gummy candy-filled creations, and they brought that element of whimsy to Artini. A tiny, perfect cupcake garnished their sprinkles-rimmed glasses of creamy martini made with Three Olives Birthday Cake Vodka. Too cute and too much fun!

While a neon green Appletini may still be a fun part of girl’s night, the brightly colored happy hour “martinis” have evolved from the bright dollop of artificial flavors or schnapps. Modern martinis drinkers are seeking nuanced recipes incorporating more fresh natural ingredients that harken back to the sophisticated cocktail, but with a range of exiting new tastes that appeal to a wider audience.

Whether you prefer martinis shaken or stirred, maybe these winners will inspire you to mix up a few creations of your own. Or maybe I will bump into you while enjoying one of these winners at a local happy hour. Cheers!

Lynn Laird is a writer, fine artist and self-professed bon vivant living in Bossier. With her “Flair for Cooking” blog, she seeks out interesting ingredients and techniques to help make everyday meals just a touch more fabulous. She can reached at [email protected].