Cajun Martini

All things Cajun were a big hit back in the 80s and 90s. I can understand why. The spicy world cuisine had just become recognized for the amazing thing that it is. Cajun restaurants obviously wanted to create cocktails that represented their spicy theme.

Still, this recipe has a few oddball things going on. Pepper vodka like Absolut Pepar hare all heat, and not much flavor. It is not the flavor of Cajun food alone. It needs chili peppers as well as black pepper to get the style right.

This Martini variation tries and falls short with pickled jalapenos as the garnish. For the vodka, I made a whole peppercorn infused vodka. It was so hot that I proofed it down with 80-proof Aylesbury Duck vodka. It is just ok. The sliced pickled jalapenos give the drink enough vinegar and spice to keep it interesting until the end.

• 3 oz. pepper flavored vodka (homemade pepper infusion used)
• several dashes of dry vermouth
• sliced pickled jalapeno

Combine vodka and vermouth in a mixing glass with ice. Stir and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with the jalapeno slices.