TheTraveler

 

Getting a Good Martini in a Tropical Climate -
By Tom Schueneman

Fat Chance.

Of course, many poolside bars require your beverage be in a plastic cup - so if you insist on ordering a martini under these conditions, you get what you deserve.

But still, why does ordering a Martini in the tropics produce such bewilderment and disdain?

"Sheeze dude, you're on vacation!"

"Yes I am, my good man, and I'd love a Martini - do you by chance have Tanquary gin on hand?"

This inquiry generally followed by a long pause and a blank stare.

As if being on vacation requires consuming some sweet, syrupy, colorful concoction served on ice with speared fruit and a useless little paper umbrella sticking out the top - I'm on vacation, I haven't lost my mind.

But alas, if the bartender has even heard of vermouth, let alone have it in stock, they don't know how to use it.

We are talking about a mist of vermouth; atoms co-mingling with the gin, ever so lightly.

Instead we get measurable quantities splashing through and cutting the gin into some bittersweet creation only vaguely resembling a Martini. It makes one want to give up and order a nice, dry Chardonnay instead...

But that's another story.

Tom lives in San Francisco; When he's not searching for a good martini in the tropics, he works as a sound engineer, freelance writer, and web publisher. He enjoys traveling, nature, reading, photography, and music - and, of course, a very dry martini.

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