Thyme Out! It’s thyme (pun intended) for a martini! Put a little sunshine into your weekend with a lemon martini. Not just any lemon, but a Meyer lemon. They taste like a cross between a lemon and a mandarin orange. They have a sweeter and more floral taste than other lemons and have an slightly orange tint. If you aren’t lucky enough to have a Meyer lemon tree in your front yard like I do, then try your local market. If they don’t have any, then you can use a regular lemon ‘cuz it will still make a bright and cheery martini. What kind of vodka to use in your martini you ask? Well here’s a fun story to help you decide!
My friend Sandy had all of the family at her house for Christmas Eve festivities. They all brought their favorite appetizers to share with cocktails while waiting for Santa’s arrival. Now we all know family can be very entertaining on their own but when you add cocktails to the mix you never know what will happen. Well, in this case a Blind Vodka Tasting broke out! There had been much debate over the course of many gatherings as to which vodka was best and Sandy decided to put it to the test.
Now this is the beauty of any blind tasting…you don’t know what you are tasting so all of your preconceived notions about which is best based on brand, marketing, image and what your friends drink is out the window. Sandy whipped out a bunch of shot glasses, poured small amounts of the 4 kinds of vodka they had on hand (only she knew which ones were in what glasses) and the tasting began.
The vodka contestants were:
Grey Goose Vodka – Can be found by members at Bev Mo! for $27.99 for a 1 liter bottle. Per the marketing, it is made from the purest waters in the Cognac region of France. The wheat used in the creation of Grey Goose vodka is grown in Picardy, France. It is distilled in the region north and east of Paris, the distillate is then sent to Cognac, France, where it is blended with spring water and bottled. The wheat used in Grey Goose is soft winter wheat and the vodka is distilled 5 times.
Grape Vodka – Who knows where this vodka can be found at this point. It was a gift to Sandy’s son Kevin and nobody can remember the name of it…..They added it to the tasting ‘cuz it was available and added to the fun! They were very serious about the high level of competition for this tasting!
Tito’s Handmade Vodka – Can be found by members at Bev Mo! for $29.99 for a 1.75 liter bottle. If nothing else, the maker of Tito’s has a sense of humor. Believe it or not, the man behind this Austin, Texas based distillery is named Tito Beveridge. Seriously, you can’t make this stuff up! The vodka is distilled six times. And when asked why? Beveridge replied, “Because five times isn’t enough and the seventh time doesn’t make a difference.” Tito’s Handmade Vodka is distilled from 100% corn and is certified GLUTEN-FREE.
Vodka Monopolowa – Can be found at Trader Joe’s for $9.99 for a 1 Liter bottle. “Monopolowa” means “monopoly”, which in terms of vodka refers to a privilege given to the Polish nobility class, giving them exclusive rights to produce and sell vodka. The distiller of Vodka Monopolowa has been making spirits since 1782. Until the onset of World War II, their spirits were produced in Poland. After the war, production moved to Austria, although the original recipe remained the same. From the beginning, this vodka has been triple-distilled from a select variety of potatoes, with no fillers or other grains added.
What a happy coincidence that the 4 vodkas they had on hand came from 4 different base products ~ wheat, grapes, corn and potatoes! And now, the moment we have all been waiting for ~ the envelope please……And the winner is:
#4 The “Grape Vodka”
#3 Grey Goose Vodka
#2 Tito’s Handmade Vodka
#1 Vodka Monopolowa
But don’t let this one tasting be the last and final word on the topic. Throw a Blind Vodka Tasting Party for yourself and see what kind of fun erupts at your house! In the meantime, mix up a batch of Meyer Thyme Martini’s and start making the guest list for your party!
Meyer Thyme Martini
Ingredients:
1 Tablespoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon Cardamom
1 small Meyer Lemon; plus 1 lemon twist for garnish
1 teaspoon crushed fresh thyme leaves
2 ounces Vodka Monopolowa, chilled (or Vodka of your choice)
2 ounces fresh Meyer lemon juice
1 ounce (2 Tbs.) simple syrup (recipe below)
Pour the sugar and cardamom onto a small, wide dish like a salad plate and mix to combine. Run the lemon half around the rim of a chilled martini glass to wet it. Dip the rim into the sugar mixture, margarita-style.
With a muddler or the bottom of a wooden spoon, crush the thyme leaves in the bottom of a chilled cocktail shaker. Add the Vodka Monopolowa, lemon juice and simple syrup. Fill the shaker with ice. Put the lid on the shaker can and shake until well chilled.
Strain the cocktail into the prepared glass. Garnish with the lemon twist and a thyme stem.
Simple syrup: In a small saucepan, combine 1/4 cup sugar and 1/4 cup water. Bring to a boil over high heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Let cool completely before using. Makes 1/2 cup.
- 1 Tablespoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon Cardamom
- 1 small Meyer Lemon; plus 1 lemon twist for garnish
- 1 teaspoon crushed fresh thyme leaves
- 2 ounces Vodka Monopolowa, chilled (or Vodka of your choice)
- 2 ounces fresh Meyer lemon juice
- 1 ounce (2 Tbs.) simple syrup (recipe below)
- Pour the sugar and cardamom onto a small, wide dish like a salad plate and mix to combine. Run the lemon half around the rim of a chilled martini glass to wet it. Dip the rim into the sugar mixture, margarita-style.
- With a muddler or the bottom of a wooden spoon, crush the thyme leaves in the bottom of a chilled cocktail shaker. Add the Vodka Monopolowa, lemon juice and simple syrup. Fill the shaker with ice. Put the lid on the shaker can and shake until well chilled.
- Strain the cocktail into the prepared glass. Garnish with the lemon twist and a thyme stem.
- Simple syrup: In a small saucepan, combine 1/4 cup sugar and 1/4 cup water. Bring to a boil over high heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Let cool completely before using. Makes 1/2 cup.
