An impressive vodka martini that is refreshingly cool yet spicy. Complex and fun on the palate, with cucumber, lime, basil, and jalapeno. Yes, you read that right, and it's delicious.
I was first introduced to this drink at a nearby restaurant that serves Tito's on frozen tap. I tend to like my vodka martinis dry and strong, without the fru fru. As such, I was not especially keen to try this thing, but the bartender insisted it wasn't a sweet, fruity drink. So glad I tried it, as it was fantastically different, and I love spicy.
The problem with jalapenos is that sometimes they are as tame as a green bell pepper, and other times they are crazy hot. With no clear way to tell until you cut one open, take a quick taste of the pepper before you combine ingredients. That way you can adjust before it's too late!
The restaurant has since forgotten how to make it, and I had to experiment to reproduce it. I'm happy to claim success and provide the recipe below for one martini. Play with it to find your sweetness (more simple syrup), tartness (more lime), spicy (more jalapeno). I tried to get a middle-of-the-road starting point for you!
Ingredients
3-4 slices cucumber (1/8 inch thick)
4-5 leaves fresh basil
2-3 slices jalapeno (1/16 inch think), plus 1-2 more for garnish
1/2 lime, cut in small pieces
1/4 cup Quick Simple Syrup
1/4 cup + 1 jigger vodka
Directions
Place your vodka glass in the freezer to chill it.
Place first three ingredients in a large shaker. You can either toss in the lime pieces too, or squeeze their juice into the shaker before tossing them in. Muddle the combined ingredients with a muddler or the handle of a wooden spoon (see pic above).
Fill the shaker with ice, then add the Quick Simple Syrup and vodka. Shake for 20-30 seconds.
Take out your glass from the freezer, and strain martini into the glass.
Add your jalapeno garnish slice(s) and enjoy!
NOTE: Martinis are strong. If you want to tone down the alcohol content, replace the balance with water. Also, as this is a mixed drink, top shelf isn't required. If you insist, go for it, but I usually mix vodka drinks with a Svedka-level vodka.
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