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Pucker up – this salty, tangy ’tini packs one helluva flavour punch.
About the cocktail
Picture it. You’re down at the pub, your mate returns from the bar with that instantly recognisable pink bag of chips, and it’s met with hoots and scowls in equal measure. Salt & Vinegar might be the most polarising chip flavour, but for those who are in this tangy camp, welcome – you're going to like it here. If you often opt for the briny savouriness of a Dirty Martini, you’re in for a treat. Those who aren’t into it? Off you pop, this one isn’t for you. Introducing: the Salt & Vinegar Martini, a savoury, acidic and aromatic riff that is as complex as they come, and perfect for anyone who likes their 'tinis with a little extra tang. Salt & Vinegar chips can be traced back to the mid-20th century, when the tangy snack quickly gained fans for its robust flavours. Sharp, tangy and bitey, there really is nothing quite like it. Be honest – your mouth’s already watering, isn’t it? Meld that with a Martini and there’s magic to be made. The salt adds depth and enhances the botanicals in the gin or crispness of the vodka (yes, we’ll let you pick a side here), and the bright splash of vinegar balances the savoury profile, introducing a piquant note. Briny and sharp, this just might become your new go-to Martini.
Watch : How to make a Salt & Vinegar Martini
Ingredients: salt & vinegar seasoning (25 serves)
A few sprigs of dill or 5 tsp dried dill 60gm white sugar 2 tsp salt 250mL white wine vinegar
Ingredients: for the cocktail
10mL salt and vinegar seasoning, or more (you do you) 50mL gin or vodka 10mL dry vermouth Glass: Martini Garnish: a salt and vinegar chip dipped or dolloped in cream cheese, topped with finely chopped chives
Method
To make your seasoning, add all ingredients to a bowl. Stir, then place it in the fridge to infuse for about 15 to 30 minutes, depending how intense you like it. Once infused, fine-strain the mix and retain the liquid (that's your magic seasoning) When you're ready to make your drink, pop your Martini glass in the freezer for 30 minutes to chill Add all cocktail ingredients (including your seasoning liquid) into a mixing glass with ice and stir briskly until it’s chilled Pour the mixture into your frozen glass Garnish with the chip, cream cheese and chives, balanced on the glass with a skewer
Dan’s top tips
As the battle rages on for Salt & Vinegar versus tamer chips, so too does the gin-versus-vodka debate over Martinis. However, follow your gut instincts here as these flavours play nicely with both base spirits. Thanks to the lip-smacking vinegar, the juniper shines through the gin or adds bracing contrast to the neutrality of vodka. The brightness and savoury edge comes from the intense salt and vinegar seasoning. It creates a fascinating mouthfeel; the acidity from the vinegar triggers salivation, while the salt enhances it. Bonus? This tangy mixture is an excellent condiment for splashing liberally over a crunchy salad, sprinkling over hot chips or drizzling over fresh oysters to go with your Martini. All that flavour calls for a fun, flavourful garnish, and that’s where the Salt & Vinegar chip comes in, topped with a dollop of cream cheese and chives. We’ve gone for a fancy touch here with the chip balanced on the glass thanks to the help of a skewer. But trust us when we say, you’re going to need a few more loaded chips to go with this cocktail as they make a super tasty snack. You could instead mix it up and swap the chip for a crunchy slice of radish or cucumber with cream cheese and chives. And if you’re not much of a chive fan, swap them out for a bit of dill or parsley.
Member Offer
$67 per bottle Non-Member: $68.95 Each
image credits: Shelley Horan (photography), Raye Scerri (videography), Bridget Wald (styling), LSS (production).
