Holiday Martini Magic

Does anything say/shout holiday magic better than a dirty martini? One might argue for some hot chocolate and wonderful Christmas carols. Others might call from some good old fashioned Norwegian glug. But for me it is answering the question of whether you have been naughty or nice. And a dirty martini is just so nice (and a bit naughty after having a few).

A proper dirty martini does not need top shelf gin or a fancy mixologist. What it needs is some simple olives and a bit of olive juice to give the herbal gin a salty bite. The martini pictured was ordered by my friend Kenn at Le Poisson Rouge while listening to some amazing jazz by John Hollenbeck. It was jumbo sized and very potent. I think the olives made the evening extra magical, good to the last bite. Spread the holiday cheer!