Drink of the Day: The Signature I Spirit Martini by Cesare Martini

May 10, 2011 11:33 am

Drink of the Day: The Signature I Spirit Martini by Cesare Martini

Vodka has always been synonymous with Russia. Not only does Russia produce some of the finest vodka in the world, but in our supermarket lines that are stocked with candy and gum, some Russian stores stock theirs with miniature bottles of vodka. Needless to say, the Russians love their vodka. But it's time for Russia to move on over for a new brand vodka called I Spirit, which is from...drum roll please...Italy.

I Spirit uses traditional vodka-making techniques, with high quality grains and the best white grapes from Fruili in the Northeast of Italy; the vodka is distilled five times. Created by Lapo Elkann, Marco Fantinel, Francesco Cosulich, and Arrigo Cipriani (the well known proprietor of Harry's Bar where the Bellini was made famous), I Spirit is also managed in the U.S. by Cesare Martini, the great grandson of the founder of Alessandro Martini known for founding Martini and Rossi Dry Vermouth.

I-Spirit was created to be used in more than just cocktails. As Italian cuisine continued to increase in popularity, an Italian vodka clearly needed to be used in dishes like Penne Alla Vodka and also citrusy vinaigrettes.

The Signature I Spirit Martini by Cesare Martini

Ingredients
4/5 I Spirit Vodka
1/5 Dry Martini Vermouth

Preparation
1. Fill a shaker with ice.

2. Add a drop of Martini Dry Vermouth and shake to "martinizzare" the shaker. Then pour out and add new ice to the shaker.

3. Pour ingredients and shake.

4. Drop in 2 drops of olive juice (preferably from Taggiasche olives)

5. Strain into a chilled "Coupette" martini glass, garnish with three green olives.

Tip: If you don't like olives, try rolling a lemon or lime on the cutting board to release flavor and get the juices flowing, then cut it open and squeeze into your drink.