Homemade Vermouth Takes This Tiki Martini Higher

I was challenged by my viewers to tun the classic Martini into a tiki cocktail. Tiki is known for it's fruit juices and spices, while a Martini is an all spirit 2 ingredient drink. Challenge accepted. We'll keep it clear and spirit forward by using a good quality white rum in place of the vodka or gin. And staying to the classic formula the only other ingredient will be vermouth, but a very special one. I'll make my own vermouth using a tropical fruit wine, and a blend of spices and botanical common to vermouth. Homemade Tropical Vermouth Recipe 1 bottle of fruit wine (Passion Fruit, Pineapple, Mango, etc) 3/4 teaspoon Cardamom 5 to 7 whole cloves 2 Star Anise 1/2 teaspoon Coriander 1/2 teaspoon Chamomile 3 fresh Sage leaves 1 tablespoon fresh tarragon leaves 1 vanilla bean (sliced lengthwise) 1/2 teaspoon grated nutmeg the peel of 1 whole orange the peel of 1/2 a lemon 3 cinnamon sticks 2 peppercorn (white or black) Pour wine into a container that can be sealed. Add all ingredients to a cheesecloth bog or tea ball and place in the container with the wine. Store in a refrigerator. Check after 24 hours, allow to steep longer if needed. Remove the spices and botanicals when the desired flavor is achieved (usually between 24 and 48 hours. Add sugar as needed to achieve the desired sweetness. Vermouth is typically around 16% to 18% abv. Most wine sold commercially is around 11% to 14%. You can fortify your wine by adding a higher proof Sherry, vodka, or add gin to add some juniper notes. In my vermouth, my homemade wine was already at 19% abv, and didn't need to be fortified. Music: 1930s Seedy Street Music - Daniel Carlton from Pixabay #cocktails #cocktailrecipes #craftcocktails #mixeddrinks #cocktail #rum #bartender #cocktailrecipe #martini #tiki #tikicocktail