Lefkó Martini

Serve in a

Photographed in an

Garnish:

Frozen/chilled green grape

How to make:

STIR all ingredients with ice and fine strain into chilled glass.

Recipe contains the following allergens:

• Sauvignon blanc wine – Sulphur Dioxide/Sulphites

Review:

Martini-esque in style but gin's juniper-led botanical character is replaced by a Greek grape distillate (Tsipouro). Enhanced vinous notes and flavoursome acidity provided by a splash of dry white wine (ideally Dafni or even Assyrtiko but Sauvignon Blanc also works well). A spoon of honey (again preferably Greek orange blossom) provides the all-important balancing richness of flavour.

Variant:

If honey syrup is not to hand then substitute 5ml of 2:1 sugar syrup or 7.5ml of 1;1 simple syrup

History:

Created by yours truly in January 2021. Due to the use of a grape spirit and white wine, this Martini-like cocktail was going to be called a Greek White Martini but then discovered "Lefkó" is the Greek word for the colour white. It is also appropriately a synonym for white Greek grape varieties used in winemaking.

More cocktails by Simon Difford

Nutrition:

One serving of Lefkó Martini contains 133 calories.

Alcohol content:

• 1.3 standard drinks
• 24.76% alc./vol. (49.52° proof)
• 18 grams of pure alcohol