Reverse Martini & Reverse Manhattan

I remember reading an old article from an American newspaper that charted the decline of vermouth in a gin martini with the decline of western civilisation. So, let’s flip the narrative and bring back the vermouth. This is one of my own serves that I’ve used as a welcome aperitif, so it’s a very small and relatively low abv serve designed to welcome guests while they settle in and choose a drink.

By flipping the ratio of a Manhattan or Wet Martini, usually 2:1 spirit to vermouth, we get an aromatic and approachable cocktail with very similar flavours to the original, just easier on the palate.

For both of these – add the spirits and bitters to a mixing glass with plenty of cubed ice and stir until ice cold, add more ice halfway through stirring if needed. Strain into chilled liqueur glasses and garnish as instructed.

Trinidad Sour

If there was a candidate for “the bartenders Bartender” it would almost certainly be a Puerto Rican chap called Giuseppe Gonzalez, now based in Las Vegas. His leftfield drinks are so well known he’s almost like an American Dick Bradsell (creator of the Espresso Martini). The Trinidad Sour is now an official IBA (International Bartenders association) recipe it’s so good.

The drink is a deliberate twist on the whisky sour designed to confuse the drinker, taking the standard couple of drops of bitters and turning them into the main event. One of the most topsy-turvy cocktails ever!

Add all to a shaker with cubed ice and shake well. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass, no garnish needed.

Death Flip

Tequila, check. Chartreuse, check. Jagermeister, check. All the favourite ingredients of the young, impressionable, cocktail bartender. It’s a shame our guests don’t embrace them as freely, said Australian bartender Chris Hysted-Adams. Bring on the Death Flip.

Flips are defined by their use of an entire egg – the most well known being a Port Flip. It serves to bring texture and body to strong flavoured ingredients and alongside some added sweetness makes a virtual dessert in a glass. If you’re having a lively dinner party, this is a great way to finish the meal.

Add all to a shaker with lots of cubed ice and shake very well to incorporate the egg. Strain into your flip glass and dust with a small amount of nutmeg – careful, not too much mind or it can be overpowering. Enjoy!