Astoria

* 1 1/2 ounces gin
* 3/4 ounces dry vermouth
* 2 dashes orange bitters
* Lemon twist for garnish

Combine the gin, vermouth, and bitters in an ice-filled cocktail shaker and stir gently for 20 to 30 seconds, until cold. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with the lemon twist.

We were eating a spicy, smoky chipotle dish the other night for dinner and I wanted to pair it with something light and simple. I didn’t feel like a regular martini but didn’t want anything too complicated either. The Astoria fit the bill perfectly. It basically is a martini, but uses a bit more vermouth and adds some orange bitters. Be sure to cut your lemon twist over the glass so the oils from the zest sprays over the surface of the drink. The exact results will depend greatly on the gin you’re using, but with Bombay Sapphire it came out light, floral, and just a little bit fruity.