Читать книгу Make Mine a Martini - Kay Plunkett-Hogge - Страница 4

Introduction

Let me begin by saying this: I’m not a bartender, but I’ve known a few. And I don’t own a bar, but I’ve been to my fair share. I’ve stolen the keys to the Formosa, danced at the Bamboo Bar, frolicked at The Frolic Room, fallen backwards off my stool at Odeon, and behaved with perfect English rectitude while supping Claridge’s finest Martini. So I like to think I’ve picked up a thing or two about drinks and snacks, not all of it by osmosis.

And if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that the cocktail isn’t just for when you’re ‘out’. There’s nothing better at the end of the week than a crisp Martini to round things off. It’s better still with a couple of snacks. And, even better than that, in the company of friends.

From my earliest days, I’ve always loved a cocktail party. They were a constant feature of my Bangkok childhood. I remember clambering on to my chest of drawers when I was small, and peering out though the shutters to see what all the chattering and laughter was about. There was my mum, looking glamorous in a slinky silk dress; there was Dad, looking smooth in shirtsleeves and skinny trousers; and there were the couples twisting on the terracotta-tiled terrace, everyone sipping cocktails and spearing snacks with sticks. It was convivial, content and oh, so relaxed. And it’s left me with a hankering for those happy days and nights.

So, in this book, I’ve gathered together some classic cocktails with a few of my own inventions, and added a selection of canapés which are easy to make at home and a few tips to make a cocktail party that little bit easier. After all, just the sound of ice being shaken, preferably to a rhythm all of its own, is enough to bring a smile to anyone’s face. It’s the promise of sweet relief, of good times, good friends and good conversation. Just make mine a Martini.