20110227

STRAWBERRY MARTINIS for National Strawberry Day!


 Happy NATIONAL STRAWBERRY DAY

If you're looking for an excuse to have a martini today why not celebrate National Strawberry Day and enjoy one of my

Strawberry Cocktails

  • Strawberries have excellent health benefits and are full of antioxidants
  • Strawberries have been seen as symbols of purity and longevity for centuries.
  • Strawberries are in the same family as the rose flower (Rosaceae)!
  • It's said that Madame Tallien, a French noblewoman at the time of Napoleon, used to bathe regularly in strawberry juice, using 22 pounds per basin!
  • In Belgium there's a museum dedicated entirely to strawberries - The Musee De La Fraise



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Updated 7-2016

20110225

ACADEMY AWARD - OSCAR MARTINIS - Pepper Martini


The
ACADEMY AWARDS MARTINI

To put a little heat in your Oscar viewing, I've taken a classic Vodka Martini and put a little spice in it using pepper infused vodka.  Instead of the traditional olive garnish I've used marinated mushrooms and added a salted rim for a little more seasoning on the Academy Awards.

Maybe I'm hoping for a classic style Oscar show that has a little bit of pepper in it?  I'm on the fence at this point about the hosts. Though I really like Anne Hathaway, I'm not that familiar with James Franco. The commercials both have participated in to promote the awards show this Sunday have seemed somewhat cute, but I tend to prefer a comic host who adds lots of laughter and tosses out in-jokes left and right, awards shows can be dull and slow paced without some decent entertainment sprinkled about.

I'll give James Franco props for hosting the same year he's been nominated for Best Actor for 127 Hours, the stress that involves must be considerable!  He has some great examples to follow as he is not the first nominated actor to host the Oscars. Seven times in the past nominated actors have hosted the Oscars, including Michael Caine who hosted in 1973 when he was up for Best Actor in Sleuth.  Walter Matthau hosted in 1972 when he was nominated for Best Actor in Kotch and David Niven hosted the Oscars in 1958, the same year he won the Oscar for Best Actor in Separate Tables.

No matter how the Oscar show goes on Sunday, at least you enjoy some good eats with some of my TINY FOODS and have a great party by serving up any of my OSCAR COCKTAILS.

I wish them both well and, if the commercials are any indication, we are at least going to enjoy some charm from these two hosts - but I'm still hoping for a streaker or two. . .

   


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20110224

ACADEMY AWARD - OSCAR MARTINIS - Hollywood Martini

The 
HOLLYWOOD MARTINI

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This Oscar Martini has double bling! The Goldwasser, a root and herbal liqueur, has flecks of gold floating in it and then you sprinkle some more edible gold flakes on top for a garnish.  There's even a little sparkle from the splash of Champagne so you have a perfect martini to celebrate with the winners this coming Sunday.

Created in 1598, Goldwasser was the favored drink of Catherine the Great and was believed to be an elixir with magical properties.  Surrounded with stories involving Neptune and alchemy, Goldwasser has an interesting back story which you can read about at Gdansk Life.

A little Academy Award trivia:
  • Did you know that the Best Picture was originally awarded as Best Production?
  • Though the Awards were presentations started in 1927, the first awards ceremony was held in 1929.
  • The very first Outstanding Picture was awarded to two films, Wings for Best Production and Sunrise for Unique and Artistic Picture - a category that was dropped after the first year.
  • The very first Best Picture was awarded to Wings.
  • Titanic (1997) and All About Eve (1950) both hold the record for the most nominations (14) earned by a single film.
  • The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003), Titanic (1997), Ben-Hur (1959) are the three Best Picture winning films with the most Oscars wins (11).



 
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20110223

ACADEMY AWARD - OSCAR MARTINIS - Red Carpet Martini


Get more of my
OSCAR COCKTAILS HERE

Perfect for watching all the Red Carpet shows and enjoying all the chatter about who's with who, who's wearing what and who's a possible winner, the Red Carpet Martini is a tequila based martini that deserves it's own little Oscar.

Here's some interesting Oscar Facts & Trivia:
  • The official name of the golden statue is the Academy Award of Merit. Bette Davis makes the claim that she named the statuette after her first husband, bandleader Harmon Oscar Nelson.
  • You cannot buy an Oscar. The winners or their heirs may not sell the statuettes without first offering to sell them back to the Academy for $1. If the winner does not agree to this stipulation the Academy keeps their statuette. Prior to 1950 this stipulation was not in place and Oscars fetched as high as six figures.
  • In 1981, the Academy Awards were delayed for one day, due to the shooting of President Ronald Reagan.
  • The first televised Academy Awards show was the 25th annual, held on March 19, 1953.



 
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20110222

ACADEMY AWARD - OSCAR MARTINIS - Oscar Fans Martini

THE OSCAR FANS MARTINI

Get more of my
OSCAR COCKTAILS HERE

Sunday is the telecast of the 83rd Annual Academy Awards and if you're like me you love to invite a few friends over to watch the show, diss the fashions and enjoy all the Hollywood hoopla that goes on.
I always serve up my Academy Award - Oscar Martinis and some fun snacks to get us through the hours of speeches, clips and - hopefully - funny jokes from the host(s).

I'm not too sure whether I'm excited about the hosts this year.  I still love Billy Crystal's hosting the year Jack Palance did a one armed push up on stage the best and I'm fond of comics as hosts because they usually bring some great laughs to what can otherwise be a pretty dull show.  Because the show is so controlled these days we never get great moments like this one:
The Famous Oscar Streaker and David Niven's Classic Retort

Is it too much too hope that maybe the producers might loose a little control this year and we might get to enjoy a classic bit of Oscar history like that again?



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20110220

20110219

20% OFF ALL MARTINI DIVA POSTERS & TEES!


PRESIDENT'S DAY SALE
at The Martini Diva Boutique!

Sale Ends Monday @ 11:59 pm PST so if you've been planning on getting one of my Martini or Cocktail Inspired Posters or Hoodies/Tees hurry over and grab 20% OFF!

Just pick out your design and use code: FFHSPRESIDAY at checkout!

POSTERS:


T-SHIRTS, HOODIES & TOPS:

HAPPY PRESIDENT'S DAY WEEKEND!
Send me some photos of you in your new hoodie/tee or your new poster on the wall!


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20110218

A POLITICAL MARTINI for President's Day Weekend!

Celebrate PRESIDENT'S DAY WEEKEND
With The
POLITICIANS INCORRECT MARTINI

Thanks to President's Day on Monday we all have a long weekend coming up. I don't have, nor do I ever plan to have, a martini named Lincoln, Washington or even President, but considering the political climate I thought this would be an appropriate martini for the holiday because
We, The People, Need a Drink!

The
POLITICIANS INCORRECT MARTINI

Updated February 2016

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20110216

ALMOND COCKTAILS



Tip a martini glass to the almond and celebrate this ancient snack with an almond flavored martini!

The almond, a stone fruit related to the cherry, the plum, and the peach, was originally found in China and carried by traders down the ancient silk road to Greece, Turkey, and the Middle East.

Almonds were among the earliest cultivated foods in the world. Franciscan monks planted almond trees in missions along the El Camino Real in California in the mid 1700s, possibly the beginnings of California being the largest almond producer (80%) in the world. Sugared almonds were favored as gifts by the ancient Romans and bonbonieres (sugared almonds wrapped in tulle) were given out at weddings in early European times because they symbolized children, happiness, romance, good health and fortune, a practice still common at nuptials today.

There are several liqueurs with almond flavors including several brands of Amaretto, DeKuyper's Creme de Almond and Cream de Noyaux, and Orgeat syrup is an almond flavored syrup used in many Tiki drinks.

BTW: 
According to superstition: If you eat almonds before taking a drink, you will reduce your chances of getting drunk and avoid having a hangover. Doubtful, but what would it hurt?


ALMOND 
FLAVORED COCKTAILS

National Almond Day is February 16th, Go a little nuts!

Updated 2-2019
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20110215

GUMDROP COCKTAIL for National Gumdrop Day


February 15th is National Gumdrop Day so naturally I needed to do a gumdrop cocktail. I always like to dig into the history behind my recipe inspirations, but the only reference I could find for the history of gumdrops was a mention that they were possibly invented in 1801 by a man named Percy Trusdale. Sadly, there's no definitive information to back that up, but do we really care who invented them as long as someone did?

The classic gumdrop colors and flavors are orange, red/cherry, yellow/lemon, green/lime and black/licorice. This gumdrop cocktail is flavored after the lemon gumdrop flavor but it packs a nice adult version kick with the vodka and limoncello.  I could have gone with cherry vodka and a cherry liqueur, a lime or even a licorice gumdrop flavor but lemon was calling to me so ....


The
GUMDROP
COCKTAIL

INGREDIENTS:
1 Oz. Citrus Vodka
1 Oz. Limoncello
1/2 Oz. Fresh Lemon Juice
1/2 Oz. Simple Syrup
Ice

Garnish: Gumdrops, Lemon Twist

Tools: Cocktail Shaker

Glass: Cocktail (Martini)

DIRECTIONS:
Pour the ingredients into a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake until well chilled then strain into a sugar-rimmed chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a twist of lemon and a few gumdrops then serve.

Voiceover Video with Ingredients

FUN GUMDROP TRIVIA
Did you know that the Apollo 9 Command module was called Gumdrop? When the module was delivered it was wrapped in blue cellophane and, being shaped like a cone, it acquired that nickname. Not that that has anything to do with a Gumdrop Martini, but I thought it was interesting.

I also thought you might like a recipe for
HOMEMADE GUMDROPS
Ingredients :
4 Cups of White Sugar
1-1/2 Cups Boiling Water
2 Envelopes of Knox Gelatin
1 - 2 Tsps of Candy* or Food Flavorings PER FLAVOR
Food Coloring

*Professional Candy Flavorings come in a much wider range of flavors that even include, banana, tutti fruit, watermelon and more.

Tools: 1 Qt. Saucepan, Teflon pans for different flavors, wax paper, mixing spoons, measuring cups, measuring spoons

Directions:
Soak your gelatin in the saucepan in 1/4 cup of cold water for five minutes, then add the 1-1/2 Cups of boiling water. When your gelatin is completely dissolved add your sugar and boil on medium/low heat for 15 minutes.

At this point you can divide your mixture into as many parts as you want for your different flavors. Pour each into a separate Teflon lined pan, mix in your flavorings and your food colors to get the desired color and taste.

Set your pans into the refrigerator at least overnight or for a full day, then you can cut your gumdrops to any size you want and roll each in some granulated sugar. Store in layers of waxed paper in a sealed container.

National  Gumdrop Day is February 15th.

Updated 2-2022
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20110214

BETWEEN THE SHEETS VALENTINE MARTINI

The
BETWEEN THE SHEETS MARTINI

Close cousin to the classic cocktail, the Sidecar, this Between the Sheets Martini is a fun, sexy little cocktail with some history!








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20110213

CHOCOLATE & ROSES VALENTINE MARTINI

 

 The
  CHOCOLATE and ROSES MARTINI

This Chocolate and Rose Martini is Valentine's Day in a martini glass.  Edible roses and rose water are becoming very popular in food and drink recipes and have been used in cuisine the world over for centuries!  I even have a recipe for making your own rose water!

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20110212

AFTERNOON DELIGHT VALENTINE MARTINI

The
AFTERNOON DELIGHT MARTINI

This Tangerine, Rose & Champagne martini is a perfect refreshment for your mid-day assignation.  It's bubbly, floral and fruity - all you need now is a partner, a room and an hour (or two.)

Get the full sized recipe care for my
AFTERNOON DELIGHT MARTINI HERE





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20110211

LOVE POTION #9 VALENTINE MARTINI

 The
LOVE POTION #9 MARTINI

If you need a little help getting love on Valentine's Day, try this magic elixir but be careful, Love Potions has a rep for being tricky!
Get the full sized recipe care for my
LOVE POTION #9 MARTINI HERE






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20110210

I'VE KISSED TOO MANY FROGS COCKTAIL

I've Kissed Too Many Frogs Cocktail Recipe

There’s something nefarious about those bedtime stories where the princess kisses a frog and he turns into a prince. I think it’s a scheme to get women to believe that there’s always a prince lurking in every man. This is a total crock, of course.

I don’t care how many times you kiss them, some men are never going to turn into a prince.  That frog you’re spending time with is likely to remain the frog you’re wasting time with while the real prince of a guy is snagged by someone not quite as caught up in the fantasy.

It’s time to sit down, have a cocktail, take stock of your frog-to-man-to-prince ratio and rethink this whole fairy tale.

Unless, of course, you have a thing for warts.

Kissed Too Many Frogs Cocktail recipe with Ingredients and Instructions

The
I'VE KISSED
TOO MANY FROGS
COCKTAIL

Once upon a time dating was a royal pain. Things haven't changed. Make it a double.

INGREDIENTS
2 Oz. Lemon Vodka
1/2 Oz. Orange Liqueur
3 Oz. Fresh Grapefruit Juice
1/4 Oz. Fresh Lime Juice
Splash of Grenadine

Garnish: Twist of Lime for Garnish, Wart Cream

DIRECTIONS
Chill your glass in the freezer.
Pour the lemon vodka, orange liqueur, grapefruit juice and fresh lime in the cocktail shaker with ice and shake until chilled. Strain into your chilled glass, drizzle in the Grenadine, drop in the lime twist and enjoy while you read a couple more fairy tales about princes.

VOICEOVER VIDEO WITH INGREDIENTS AND DIRECTIONS:

Updated 8-2021
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20110209

SOUL MATE VALENTINE MARTINI

The (maybe) He's My
SOUL MATE MARTINI

Can't find your soul mate??  Well, you can blame Zeus for that one!
Get the Full Size Recipe Card for my
SOUL MATE MARTINI HERE 






 
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20110208

BOOTY CALL VALENTINE MARTINI

I'm Not Your
BOOTY CALL MARTINI

If your doorbell rings past eleven o’clock, turn out your lights, grab your batteries, gin, ice and your martini pitcher because, honey, he ain’t knockin’ that late at night to take you out to dinner and a movie.


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BOOTY CALL MARTINI HERE 




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20110207

PRETTY IN PINK FLIRTINI

http://themartinidiva.com

The Pink in Pink Flirtini is a twist on the Pink Flirtini of Sex and the City Cocktails fame. Here I replace the raspberry vodka with berry vodka for a little change up. If pink is your color here's a tasty sister to the Flirtini all decked out in pink to go with your Valentine's Day outfit.

The
Pretty In Pink
FLIRTINI

INGREDIENTS:
1 Oz. Berry Vodka
1/2 Oz. Grand Marnier
1 Oz. Pink Champagne
1 Oz. Cranberry Juice
Juice of 1/2 Fresh Lime


Garnish: Fresh Berries, Lime Twist


Tools: Cocktail Shaker, Cocktail Pick


DIRECTIONS:
Chill your glass in the freezer then fill your cocktail shaker with ice. Pour the berry vodka, Grand Marnier, cranberry juice and the squeeze of lime into your shaker and shake until well chilled.  Pour into your cold martini glass, top off with the Champagne, skewer your fresh berries onto a martini pick, set this on the rim and serve. 

 
Updated 7-2018
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20110206

VALENTINE MARTINIS - TARTINI from Sex and The City


 That Tramp Stole My Man
TARTINI

Today's Valentine Martini is the Tartini, a cocktail that first made it's appearance on episode 4 of season 2 of Sex and the City, "They Shoot Single People, Dont' They?"  That original recipe calls for Cranberry Vodka making the cocktail a very close approximation of a Cape Cod, however you'll find a lot of bars have replaced that with today's more popular Raspberry Vodka, which is my preferred version.

Like the episode, this martini is all about being a single woman in a couple's world and the perils therein - including the competition!


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Updated 8-2016

20110204

VALENTINE MARTINIS - Gangsta of Love Martini



 The GANGSTA of LOVE MARTINI
Beware of Flying Babies with Arrows!

Valentine's Day. The day of romance that will live in infamy. This is the day the merchandisers have made unholy. It is the day they have exploited to sell product. It is the day of libidinous lovers and trembling twosomes. It is also the day that can make you feel unloved, unwanted and undesired if you are not half of a couple.  

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GANGSTA OF LOVE MARTINI HERE 



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20110203

VALENTINE MARTINIS - Wild Orchids Martini


The Bring Me
WILD ORCHIDS MARTINI
For the Woman Who Aspires to
a Higher Maintenance Lifestyle

Are you looking for a wild and exotic romantic experience to whisk you away from your mundane love life? Are you finally tired of the guy who comes over for a late night booty-call with a six pack of beer?
 
Get the full sized recipe card for my
WILD ORCHIDS MARTINI HERE
 
ALL MY VALENTINE COCKTAILS!  
 

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20110202

VALENTINE MARTINIS - Battle of the Sexes Martini


THE BATTLE of the SEXES MARTINI
Prepare for war because
Valentine's Day is Coming!

With all the game playing and strategy Valentine's Day can be an all out war of love. Add this martini to your romance arsenal to outflank the lonely hearts and grab your share of Cupid's war chest.

Watch out for those arrows!

Get the Recipe and the Full Sized 5x3 Recipe Card for
THE BATTLE OF THE SEXES MARTINI HERE

MORE
VALENTINE MARTINIS HERE!


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20110201

VALENTINE MARTINIS - Adam and Eve Martini



THE ADAM and EVE MARTINI
So it is shaken, So let it be sipped

It's only fitting I start out this year's brand new Valentine Martinis with The Adam and Eve Martini since their story involves not only love but fruit!

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ADAM AND EVE MARTINI HERE 




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