A lot of people who follow The Manly Housewife blog know that in my household that Sunday night is steak night, in particular, rib-eye night. Well, we changed it up a bit for two reasons. For those that don’t know, I tended bar for a couple of years in some of the hottest night clubs and bars in Sundance Square, a trendy area, located in downtown Fort Worth, Texas. It was a blast, and at times I do miss it, but probably my health and well being are better off staying removed from that industry. So, as far as Sunday night rib-eyes are concerned, like I said, we changed it for two reasons. First, we didn’t have rib-eyes; we had T-bones, and, second, I was told by more than a few people that I need more drink recipes on my blog. Now, I feel the need to explain to all that asked me about the different drinks I served that many of the common names of particular drinks are not the most family friendly, some being downright crude. I will be posting some of these drinks in future blogs; however I’ll have to change the names of them up some, and I will let you know when I have changed the name. As always, you can drop a comment on the blog, and I can email you the real name if you’re curious.

All right, so on with last night’s martini recipes. My personal favorite martini is a Manhattan. When I drink, I want to know that I have a serious drink in my hand that requires a rough palate and is not for the feint of heart. However, last night, given the family in attendance, I opted to go a little “frou-frou” style. “Frou-frou” style is what we in the bar industry refer to as the “girlie” drinks. It always amazed me how many guys (college kids) would order “frou-frou” drinks. On hand last night was a sampling of flavors and from the 5 different martinis we enjoyed. The first, for my wife,was a pomegranate martini. It’s a simple martini that can be enjoyed as a healthier martini. Made with real fruit juices, it goes well with dinner or dessert.

Pomegranate Martini

Serves 1

Ingredients

1.5 Ounces Pomegranate Juice

1.5 Ounces Spiced Rum

1.5 Ounces Lemon-Lime Soda

Sugar for Rim

Lime wedge

Directions

1. In a shaker, add juice, rum, and soda with ice; shake vigorously for 3 to 4 minutes.
2. Using the lime wedge, trace the rim of the martini glass.
3. Pour sugar in a small plate or saucer and with lime- rimmed class, dab the sugar a few times, making sure entire rim is covered in sugar.
4. Slowly pour shaker ingredients, minus the ice, into glass and enjoy!

The second martini I made was for my mom. What was extra nice was that they supplied the steak and we supplied the booze. It worked out for everyone., including my dad, who had fun with the 5th martini you’ll read about in a bit.

Peach Martini

Serves 1

Ingredients

1 Ounce Peach Vodka

1 Ounce Spiced Rum

1 Ounce Orange Juice

1 Ounce Cranberry Juice

Sugar

Lime Wedge

Directions

1. In a shaker, add vodka, juices, and rum with ice and shake vigorously for 3 to 4 minutes.
2. Using the lime wedge, trace the rim of the martini glass.
3. Pour sugar in a small plate or saucer and with lime- rimmed class dab the sugar a few times, making sure entire rim is covered in sugar.
4. Slowly pour shaker ingredients, minus the ice, into glass and enjoy!

The 3rd and 4th martinis I made were for my dad and me. These we will call The Manly Housewife Peach Martinis. Now remember, I enjoy a very stiff drink, so these will have more of a bite to them. You have been forewarned.

The Manly Housewife Peach Martini

Serves 1

Ingredients

1.5 Ounces Peach Vodka

1.5 Ounces 100 Proof Spiced Rum

Directions

1. In a shaker, add vodka and rum with ice and shake vigorously for 3 to 4 minutes.
2. Slowly pour shaker ingredients, minus the ice, into glass and enjoy!

Hints for a perfect martini

1. While mixing ingredients, place a handful of ice cubes into martini glass with water. This will chill the glass help to keep the drink cold.
2. Use the bar tools you have on hand. A shaker and a strainer work best, unless you know how to use the bartender trick of using a shaker and a pint.

The 5th and last martini made was not made by me; it was a concoction done by my dad that was meant just for him. Do you remember as kid what you did at the soda fountain? Sure you do. . .  you would hit all the drink flavors into one glass, making what we called a “suicide.” Usually they were so horrible you thought you would die when you drank it.  Well here ya go…

THM Dad’s Suicide Martini

Serves 1 unfortunate soul

Ingredients

Everything and the kitchen sink

1 Ounce 100-Proof Spiced Rum

1 Ounce Peach Vodka

1 Ounce Rot-Gut Whiskey

1 Ounce Pomegranate Juice

1 Ounce Orange Juice

1 Ounce Cranberry Juice

1 Ounce Lemon-Lime Soda

Directions

1. Mix all ingredients with ice in a shaker.
2. Swirl a few times, hopefully mixing the ingredients some.
3. Pour into martini glass, spilling a little on the counter in the process.
4. Enjoy!

Well there you have it. We made several different martini’s that each had their own unique flavor and flair. Always keep in mind that drinks are just like a dinner: mix a little of this and a little of that and you might just be surprised what comes out.

The Manly Housewife