Martinez Cocktail with a Smoked Salmon, Quick Pickled Grape Charcuterie Platter

Month #2 with Amex DE

This month´s recipe is fun, flirtations and embracing all the summer vibes. This cocktail platter duo has been designed to be served together for the perfect classy but refreshing mix. Get ready with Amex DE and be inspired with bold and unique recipes.

Okay, so what do I mean when I say `designed´ for each other? Simply through the flavour pairings and mixing of sensual elements to create a well rounded but also balanced drink/ dish combination. The dry gin and sweetness in the sweet vermouth & maraschino liquor is evenly balanced with the lemon and the angostura bitters. Not only that, this bitter/sweet drink combination is also paired very well with the silky seafood but also smokey side note in the salmon. Adding a homemade element, being the pickled grapes - don’t worry it only takes 5 extra minutes to cook - offers a unique element that no restaurant will be serving up but is easy for you to make at home.

Let’s now introduce in the cheeses. Placing cheeses that are a creamy, more subtle element next to these stronger, bolder ingredients, offers a well rounded, balanced palatable bite. It is important to have a harmonious mix that triggers all the senses rather than focusing on one of the senses, often resulting in a dominance or over powering which reduces the overall enjoyment.

This combination is truly an exquisite masterpiece worthy of all the attention and affection. Inter-twine it into a romantic evening, when those nibbles are needed with friends, wow them. You can even pack it up for a picnic to remember. Create that meal to remember and that lifestyle of the finest #amexforfoodies .

Stay tuned because we still have 5 more months of Amex recipes that you won’t want to miss.

Amex Martinez Cocktail + Salmon, Pickled Grape Charcuterie Platter

Martinez Cocktail

Ingredients 

• 6 oz Dry Gin

• 6 oz Sweet Vermouth

• 4 oz Maraschino Cherry Liquor

• 3-4 dashes Angostura Bitters

• Lemon peel to serve

Smoked Salmon & Pickled Grape Charcuterie Platter

Ingredients 

For the Grapes

• 1 cup purple grapes, halved

• 3 tbsp white vinegar

• 3 tbsp white sugar

• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

• 1/4 cup pistachio nuts, hulled

For the Platter

• 200 grams premium smoked salmon

• 2 tbsp salted capers

• 1/2 lemon, cut into wedges

• 2-3 soft cheese (Brie, Blue, Gorgonzola, Manchego, smoked or aged Gouda, Gruyere, Fontina)

• 1 large organic peach, cut into wedges

• 1 bunch fresh purple or green grapes

• 1/2 cup Caramelised onions (homemade or store bought)

• Olive, onion or plain sourdough bread, sliced on a diagonal

• Pickled grapes (recipe above)

Method 

For the Martinez

Chill the glasses 30 minute prior. Add ice in the glasses while preparing the cocktail.

In a cocktail shaker, place the gin, vermouth and the maraschino liquor. Add the ice from the glasses and swirl with a cocktail spoon for 2-3 minutes. Add the bitters and mix to incorporate. 

Strain into the chilled and iced glasses and top with the lemon spiral.

For the grapes

Place the halved grapes in a bowl. Cover with the white vinegar and leave to sit for 15 minutes. 

Place the grapes and vinegar into a small pot along with the sugar and vanilla. Cook for 10-15 minutes on medium heat or until a thick syrup forms. Add the pistachios, stirring to coat in the syrup. Pour into a small ramekin and chill. 

Homemade caramelised onions

Place 6-10 medium onions that have been peeled and slinky sliced in halved moons into a pot. Cook with 1 tablespoon of oil, 4 rosemary sprigs, 2 tablespoons of sugar and 1 tablespoon of salt for 15-20 minutes or until a deep brown colour forms. You can also add balsamic vinegar for a richer tangy flavour. Keep refrigerated for 1-2 months. 

For the Platter

In a large wooden board, place the pickled grapes in the ramekin in the middle. Place the salmon in ribbons with the capers on top and lemon wedges along side. Arrange the cheeses and fruit around, ensuing the same of each ingredient does not sit together. Finish with the caramelised onions (homemade or store bought) and the bread. Enjoy with a chilled Martinez for the perfect flavour combination and balance in tangy, sweet and tart.