The Memory Dish - Strawberry Balsamic Martini inspired by Nashville

The Memory Dish - Strawberry Balsamic Martini inspired by Nashville

Friday, 21 March 2014

You can expect to see a lot of Nashville inspired posts for the Memory Dish. Maybe I'm just a fool for mac and cheese, but I adored everything I ate there. I went back home filled with inspiration for future experiments in the kitchen (I also went home a little bit fatter)

First up is this signature cocktail from the Tavern Midtown. I adored this restaurant. It was full of dark wood, dark corners and the glow from candles. Each table seemed to be a nook which you could hide away in. Plus, it was home to the single best burger I've ever eaten in my life.

But to kick off, I had the Balsamic Martini, as recommended by the waitress. Yum. It packed quite the punch, but was overcome with sweet, fresh strawberry, and a tangy kick of balsamic.

I've had a little experiment, and come up with a recipe that is pretty damn delicious. But if you do find yourself in Nashville, be sure to try the real thing (and the burger. Oh God, the burger...)


Strawberry Balsamic Martini

4 ripe strawberries
2 tsp balsamic vinegar
1 tbsp sugar
50ml vodka
20ml Martini Rosso

(makes one)

1. In a blender, obliterate your strawberries with the sugar and balsamic vinegar.

2. In a martini shaker (or jar with lid screwed on tight, as is my preference) shake up the strawberries with the balsamic syrup, the vodka, Martini Rosso and ice cubes. Shake shake shake. Shake shake shake.

3. Pour out into your glass.