Having experimented for a while with different variations on the classic Martini theme (my most successful attempts being what I call Plymouth Apple Martini, 80 ml Plymouth Gin, 20 ml regular Martini Extra Dry and 20 ml Joseph Cartron Liqueur de Pomme Verte), I have also tried adding Apricot Brandy, with the same proportions as the green apple one above (I like my drinks to last). I found this Martini a bit to intimate with the apricot taste, so prefer my own recipe. I used Hendrick's Gin, De Kuyper Apricote Brandy and Martini Extra Dry. A more subtle infusion of the apricot tang.

Easy drinking has got a name! Loved it though, and the wife too, and will add it as a candidate for this year's cocktail party, coming up in two week's time – actually on Valentine's Day. Will add the Orange Bitters next time, as suggested by Mr Hodge.

Quite good, recommended, in fact. Had to exchange the Handshake for Nonino, and chose simple syrup instead of sugar syrup (2:1) and that turned out well for my palate.

Wish I'd seen your comment before I made this drink tonight. I did double the amount of sugar syrup, but next time I'll add triple sec. Thanks!