Time for Fall

Well, Summer is Over.

It's actually a good thing - if I go on another lame date or eat at one more bar I'm going to explode. The falling of the leaves is the shedding of summer's youthful indiscretions and good habits gone bad.

Now that fall is here it is time to get back on the hay wagon - back to routine. That said, routine means it's time for a new cocktail! Every season I have a favorite "go to" cocktail. Cosmo's are so passe....just like Sex in the City.

This summer it was Vodka Gimlets; this fall it is dirty Martinis. Because deep down everybody likes it a little dirty sometimes.

Until about a year ago, I didn't tolerate Gin very well, but recently that tide has turned. A good friend of mine turned me on to Martinis made with Bombay Sapphire and my life has never been the same. However, before that happened I had already started experimenting with making a Spicy Dirti Martini. I will now present both for your drinking pleasure:

Spicy Dirti Martini:

- pepper infused vodka (homemade or Absolut)

- regular good vodka (like Reyka)

- vermouth

- pitted green olives in olive juice

- shaker

- ice

- chilled martini glass

- shot glass for measuring

Into the cocktail shaker with ice pour the following:

- 1 shot regular vodka

- 1/2 shot vermouth

- 1/2 shot pepper vodka

- splash olive juice

Shake

Strain into glass

Garnish with olives

Recline with cocktail glass in hand and start sipping!

Dirty Martin and Gin (yes, that's Dirty Martin)

- Bombay Sapphire Gin

- vermouth

- pitted green olives in olive juice

- shaker

- ice

- chilled martini glass

- shot glass for measuring

Into the cocktail shaker with ice pour the following:

- 1 1/2 shot gin

- 1/2 shot vermouth

- splash of olive juice

Shake

Strain into glass

Garnish with olives

Put on your best red lipstick and little black dress!

Enjoy!!