National Martini Day is extending beyond the U.S. The Ocean Club, A Four Seaons Resort, Bahamas, for example, is celebrating National Martini Day (June 19) at its lobby level Martini Bar and Lounge that pays homage to the 2006 blockbuster James Bond movie Casino Royale. The movie features scenes filmed in the Martini Bar.
Lead bartender Keith Cash, who has been employed with The Ocean Club for 37 years, makes thousands of martinis each year. Cash estimates he serves approximately 40 martinis a night, sometimes more.
“Guests love to come in and experience what they saw in the movie,” he said. “It’s a big draw. When they’re here, they always want to try the Vesper.”
The Vesper Martini includes three measures of Gordon’s gin, one of vodka, and half of Lillet Blanc, with lemon.
“Guests are curious how strong it’s going to taste,” said Cash, who notes that the real secret is in the preparation. “When you shake the mixture hard over ice, it breaks down the gin, and gives it a smoother taste.”
Another favourite martini of choice for guests at The Ocean Club is the Chocolate Martini. Cash said the taste is so smooth and delicious because of the Mr. Boston Creme de Cacao liqueur combined with vanilla vodka, and premium chocolate.
“I use 66 percent dark chocolate, melted down. I paint the rim of each glass with the chocolate, roll it in chocolate nibs and chill until hardened, pouring the drink in a chilled glass for a beautiful presentation.”
The Passionfruit Chili Martini is also a hit, made with fresh passionfruit, fresh lime juice, vanilla vodka, and chili flakes to lend a hint of spice. Cash estimates 30 of the fruits are used each day to make the drink mixture, and stresses that martinis always taste better when the freshest ingredients are used.
“We use fresh lemons in the Vesper, and we are using fresh passionfruit and limes. Using authentic ingredients really impacts the flavor.’’
Each of the martinis are all priced at #24, with one exception: the extravagant, $100 Caviar Martini that is erved with a delicate spoon of Beluga caviar atop the chilled martini glass rim and made with ultra-premium Beluga Vodka.
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Photo: Keith Cash at the Martini Lounge and Bar (The Ocean Club)