In preparation to celebrate the new year, our friends at the Bellamy-Ferriday House & Garden shared a recipe for Caroline Ferriday’s favorite cocktail: the iconic martini. We know that Ms. Ferriday preferred gin over vodka in the martinis she enjoyed in the evenings at her family’s summer home in Bethlehem. This summer, we partnered with Litchfield Distillery and Southbury’s The Bevy Co. to discuss the history of this distinctly American cocktail – and taste a little bit of history, too! Make one at home using this recipe:

·      2.5 oz London Dry Gin (brands like Beefeater or Tanqueray work well)

·      0.5 oz Dry Vermouth

·      Ice cubes

·      Garnish: A lemon twist or 1-3 green olives

Instructions

  1. Chill your glass: Place a martini or coupe glass in the freezer or fill it with ice water while you prepare the drink.
  2. Combine ingredients: In a mixing glass, add the gin and dry vermouth.
  3. Add ice and stir: Fill the mixing glass with fresh ice cubes and stir the mixture well with a bar spoon for about 20–30 seconds, until it is very cold. Stirring, rather than shaking, keeps the drink clear and silky smooth.
  4. Strain and garnish: Empty the chilled glass and strain the cocktail mixture into it.
  5. Finish: If using a lemon twist, express the oils by twisting the peel over the drink, then drop it in or rim the glass with it. If using olives, skewer one or three on a cocktail pick and place it in the glass.
Photo caption: In the 1950s, as the shadow of World War II’s devastation began to recede, Caroline Ferriday worked tirelessly to bring 52 women who survived Nazi medical experiments at Ravensbrück concentration camp to the United States for care. In 1958, she invited 4 of the women who participated in the trip to her home in Bethlehem, now known as the Bellamy-Ferriday House & Garden, to celebrate Christmas with her. Here, Ms. Ferriday is pictured playing music with the women.
Missed our previous crafts and recipes? Visit our social media pages to view the instructions!