I am a weird and particular drinker. Of course, for those of you who know me, you know I have a love for wine. I love it’s complexity, variety and constant changing flavor. When I moved out west, I fell in love with the world of fine dining. It was in these wonderful and extravagant restaurants that I learned that wine was more than just a drink. I was educated on the individual grapes, the regions of growth, how the weather alters the flavors and depth of wine, etc. I also learned how it could increase the flavors and enhance the experience of food.

For all of the above reasons, when I drink, it is hard to stray from wine. Every summer, I buy a 12 pack of Bud Light Lime because I picture myself by the pool having one from time to time. Every summer, Blake drinks 11 Bud Light Limes in August when it is clear that I am not going to drink more than the one I attempted to drink on the pool’s opening day. I simply don’t like beer.

When I go to a fancy, dark ambiance, steak restaurant, I always feel myself surrounded by people sipping from martini glasses. I absolutely LOVE a martini glass. I always fall into peer pressure and order a dirty martini. To increase my chances of actually drinking this drink, I order it “dirtier than most people would ever order it.” Even if I am drinking chilled olive juice (which I love), I often can only get through a few sips, and it is back to my wine.

This summer, Blake created a new martini that I actually like. In fact, I can drink almost a whole one. The original martini was made with gin, not vodka. I am not a liquor fan, but if I had to choose, I would always opt for gin. This martini, like many others can be made with either.

The Boar’s Head Pickle Martini

Ingredients:

-3 parts vodka or gin

-1 part Boar’s Head Kosher Dill pickle juice (could probably subsitute Claussen) Boar’s Head Pickles are found at Kroger in the fancy meat and cheese and take and bake pizza section.

-1 Boar’s Head Kosher Dill pickle spear

-Ice

Directions:

1. Pour in liquids over a generous amount of ice in a martini shaker.

2. Shake well, I mean really well for extra icy goodness.

3. If you like them really cold, put in freezer for 5-10 minutes, shake again.

4. Serve in a fun martini glass

5. Add a pickle spear for garnish.

*Enjoy, but remember, don’t drink and drive!