Classic gin martini cocktail recipe by Alex Dilling at Hotel Café Royal
Michelin-starred chef Alex Dilling takes the classic gin concoction to a new level
Some things just go together. Fish and chips (obviously), afternoon tea and champagne, and Michelin-starred chef Alex Dilling and classic gin martinis. Anyone with their finger on the pulse of capital’s food scene knows there are few things the London-born, French-trained chef enjoys more than a strong serve to get celebrations started – and it’s this penchant that launched Hotel Café Royal’s Martini Hour earlier this year.
Everyday at dusk, the five-star hotel‘s bar comes to life with an array of martinis – smooth, on the rocks or with a dash of tonic – all served with Dilling’s carefully-curated bar snacks including croque monsieur made with Parisian ham, comte and black truffle, stuffed corn-fed chicken wings pissaladière, or red prawn tempura with basil emulsion and piment espelette. But what’s the secret ingredient to Martini Hour? Dilling’s very own gin.
Image: Justin De Souza
For those who prefer no fuss or frills, look no further than Dilling’s classic gin martini, combining three key ingredients to create a showstopping cocktail that will no doubt impress guests during party season.
He says: “I enjoy pairing a classic gin martini with a salty snack either in the garden or by the fireplace at home after a long day. What makes a martini so special to me is how it highlights some of my favorite flavour notes — citrus, coriander seeds, angelica, and juniper. It has to strike the perfect balance, subtle and refined.” Discover the recipe below.
Recipe
Classic gin martini
Ingredients
- 5 Puffins Gin 50ml
- Dry vermouth 10ml
- Lemon twist or olives To garnish
Method
- Fill a mixing glass with ice.
- Add the vermouth and stir for a few seconds.
- Add the gin to the mixing glass and stir briskly for 50 turns.
- Strain into a chilled coupe glass and garnish with a lemon twist or olive skewer.
Visit hotelcaferoyal.com
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