As summer makes way for winter, and darkness creeps in earlier and earlier, our weekend evening bashes turn from poolside chips and beer to swank, sophisticated affairs. Like the changing of the seasons, our party guest's palates convert slowly from beer to some of the finer libations. The aroma of dried-oak smoldering in the fireplace reminds us of holidays past, and the house remains toasty despite the wide-open French doors leading to the patio. The calming tempo of soft lounge music from the patio wafts in with the chilled air. For the half a dozen couples in attendance, there's a sense of celebration, relaxation, satisfaction.

There are no tank-tops, shorts or flip-flops tonight. It's mid-November. It's fifty-two degrees. It's the first crisp autumn evening. As long-time Floridians, we need to reach into the warm clothing drawer to find something comfortable to wear for a casual get-together. Mmmmm… a welcome change.

Tonight we are hosting a martini party. The perfectly casual mingling of the guests reminds me of the Christmas movie, "It's a Wonderful Life". There is sophistication in the air, somewhat more so than our typical get-togethers. Grilled rumaki, yakitori, and a nice cold fruit tray are the highlights of the menu. And each dish goes perfectly with one of tonight's featured martinis.

Rob and Lorrie are on the patio delectably sipping away on their Cosmos. Very much into the punk city scene in their earlier days, Rob and Lor definitely have a chic, swank, cosmopolitan air about them. The tart cranberry flavor mixes wonderfully with the ginger and soy flavoring of the yakitori. And since Thanksgiving is just around the corner, I was able to pick up a bag of fresh cranberries in the produce section of the local grocer. The Cosmos are served in our new Swank Swerve martini glasses with four berries each, on a stainless steel skewer. Rob and Lor are looking "on" tonight.

Deiter, our wunderbar German friend, prefers the robust taste of his Dirty Martini. He is of the opinion that any drink that is not vodka and vermouth is not a martini. We let him believe he's right. You can't argue with Deiter. Right now, he is in the dining area lingering around the rumaki tray. These liver and bacon appetizers were invented for cocktail parties. They go wonderfully with his Dirty Martinis.

As for me, I'm sipping on my third Melon Drop as I use the fire poker tend to stoke up the flames in the fireplace. Served in a
Swank Omega glass, this two toned drink is ice-chilled and ever so slightly sweetened, and is perfect for chilling out, relaxing and reflecting on an otherwise hectic week; wishing every night could be just like this one.

Ahh, the martinis are kicking in.

The Cosmopolitan
	2 oz   Citron Vodka   1 oz   Triple sec   1 oz   Cranberry juice   1 oz   Lime juice     Shake all four ingredients together in a shaker with ice. Strain into a Swank Martini Glasses - like the Omega. Serve with a twist of lemon.   Recipe formatted and exported by Living Cookbook from Radium Technologies, Inc.

The Dirty Martini

2 oz   Vodka or Gin   ¾ oz   Olive Juice   ½ oz   dry Vermouth     Chill a Swank Martini glass in the freezer or add ice and water to get it "very" cold. Place a hand full of ice in a cocktail shaker. Pour 2 oz. of vodka or gin in the shaker with 3/4 oz. Dirty Martini Olive Juice. Shake until he smiles. Empty ice and water from glass if this is the way you chilled it. Add the dry vermouth and turn glass to coat the inside with the vermouth. Pour out any extra vermouth. Strain the mixture in to one of our glasses. Garnish with 2 or 3 olives.   Recipe formatted and exported by Living Cookbook from Radium Technologies, Inc.

The Melon Drop

3 oz   Citron Vodka   ½ oz   Triple sec   1 oz   Melon Liqueur, chilled     Chill a Swank Martini glass in the freezer or add ice and water to get it "very" cold. Place a hand full of ice in a cocktail shaker. Pour 3 oz. of vodka into the shaker with 1/2 oz. Triple sec. Empty ice and water from glass if this is the way you chilled it. Once the vodka has settled, gently pour the melon liqueur down one side of the glass. The melon liqueur should settle to the bottom of the glass. Using a medium scooper, scoop a fresh melon ball and press gently onto the edge of the glass. Enjoy!   Recipe formatted and exported by Living Cookbook from Radium Technologies, Inc.