Ceci n'est pas une martini.

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A French friend once told me a martini could only be called so if it consists of vodka or gin, and vermouth. Anything more than that, she said, is not a martini. As Margritte pointed out in the late 1920's, we would be lying if we called something that may not be, fact. This is a collection of my very own original creations.
Call them what you like.

Pad Thai One On

Vodka

Rice & Peanut Beverage

Soy Sauce

Hot Pepper Sesame Oil

1/2 lime

1 inch ginger

Salt & pepper

To make the garnish, grill (or thaw) 1 shrimp and skewer it with a cube of extra-firm tofu and a small lime wedge. Chill. Set aside.

Start the martini mixture by placing the ginger, lime, soy sauce, and sesame oil in the bottom of the shaker. A few cranks of salt and pepper will suffice. Muddle. Add the vodka and peanut/rice drink. Shake, pour, garnish.

The genius of this martini is in the canned peanut/rice drink. The short list of water, sugar, fried peanuts, and starch, ensures the drink is uncomplicated. The lime, shrimp, tofu and seasonings all work together to create the flavor of traditional Pad Thai. I said uncomplicated…I didn’t say unpretentious.