Pickle Martinis

We have a new tradition: As part of our Easter trip to Florida (and Christmas for that matter), every night we have a pre-dinner snack of stone crab claws and pickle martinis at The Seafood Bar at The Breakers. I never tire of it. The crab claws are amazing, especially during Christmas but it’s the pickle martini that’s super wow. I love a good Dirty Ketel on the rocks but some days the olive brine can be well, too briny and honestly, I’d take pickles over olives any day.

The waitress said they use Effen Cucumber vodka and Claussen pickles. I’ve gone to four supermarkets in my neighborhood and haven’t been able to find these elusive pickles. Perhaps it's an East Cost thing. Mr. Mari shook us up a couple batches using Target's Kosher Dill pickles. They were definitely close (especially with the added pinch of salt), but there's something about the Claussen brine that makes this drink fantabulous! I’ll keep hunting for Claussen pickles since there’s nothing like a good tradition.

PICKLE MARTINIS
Makes 2 thumping good drinks

4 ounces Effen Cucumber Vodka
2 ounces kosher dill pickle juice (adjust to your liking)
2 pinches of kosher salt
2 pickle spears, for garnish

Pour one ounce pickle juice into each martini glass. In a cocktail shaker, fill with ice, salt, and add the vodka. Shake vigorously for one minute. Pour into glasses and garnish each with a pickle spear. Enjoy!