Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/53193
REPORT PROSCIUTTO E CROP MARTINI The Mixologist: Darren McKnight of PJ's Pub, San Diego The Brand: Crop Organic Tomato Vodka Finger foods are sexy, especially when you hand feed your beloved. Put a dish of prosciutto and melon in front of me and I twist the wafer thin strips of cured meat around a slice and savor every bite. So why not make a finger-licking drink? Crop Organic Tomato vodka may have been conceived as the base for the perfect Bloody Mary, but in this delectable drink, the 100% organic wheat spirit brings back the Martini as appetizer. THE POTION: ❤ 1½ oz. Crop Organic Tomato Vodka ❤ 8 organically grown basil leaves ❤ 1 slice of organic cantaloupe ❤ 1 generous slice of Primo prosciutto ❤ Two or three stuffed green olives ❤ Muddle basil; shake and strain. Add olives. Mixologist Darren McKnight of PJ's Pub in San Diego. "The balanced flavors highlight the smoothness and authentic tomato flavors of the vodka. Fresh and delicious!" —Mike Yen "Lunchtime foreplay! Salty, savory and spicy." —Chris McInerny Prosciutto e Crop Martini. THE NAUGHTY NEGRONI The Mixologist: Jamie Gordon The Brand: Beefeater 24 Gin Bittersweet: the very definition of love and, coincidentally, the flavor profile of the Negroni, one of the comeback cocktails of the century. This formula is unique, using Beefeater 24, with its infusion of green and Japanese Sencha tea and grapefruit zest . The addition of honey in the recipe beefs up the botanicals in the gin. THE POTION: ❤ 1 oz. Beefeater 24 Gin ❤ ¼ oz. Campari ❤ ½ oz. Crème Yvette ❤ ¼ tablespoon honey ❤ Dash of Angostura orange bitters ❤ Shake and pour into a coupe glass. Top off with Mumm Napa Brut and lemon zest. The Naughty Negroni. "Not too sweet and not too sour and the bubbles go straight to your head. It's a dizzy- ing effect! The ingredients make merry with this intriguing gin." —Anthony Schmidt "The subtle hints of berries and violets are just the right amount of aromatics for a perfect Valentine's Day concoction." —Mike Yen 110 / the tasting panel / january/february 2012 Jamie Gordon of Pernod Ricard USA. SPEE D T A S TING