Book Club: The Bette Davis Club

The Betty Davis Club by Jane Lotter is an endearing and hilarious book.  The story about the book's  long road to being published may be an even better tale. It was not until after the author’s death that her lifelong dream was fulfilled and her work was published. The book has all the elements…mystery, unlikely romance, friends and cocktails. Honor Jane Lotter’s memory and read it!

Abbie was the host and she stayed true to the book’s theme of martinis with a side of martinis!  Not everyone is a fan of a traditional dirty martini whether it be vodka or gin. She also served a refreshing pomegranate martini.  

Alongside the drinks guests had  finger food options such as a variety of olives, cheeses, crackers and garlic popcorn.

Dirty  Martini

•  3 ounces good vodka or gin
•  1 ounce dry vermouth
•  1 ounce olive brine

Combine in a cocktail shaker over ice.  Shake until all ingredients are chilled.  Strain into a chilled martini glass.  Garnish with olives.  

Some people like their martinis with no olive brine  so omit the olive juice and simple garnish with olives. Also, have a wide variety of olives on hand including traditional stuffed with pimientos and ones stuffed with feta or garlic. 

Remember! Dry vermouth is key.  

A sweet vermouth would not work in this recipe!

Pomegranate Martini

•     4 ounces pomegranate juice
•   2 ounces citrus vodka
•   1 ounce Cointreau or similar triple sec style orange liqueur

Place all of the above in a cocktail shaker over ice.  Shake.  

Strain into a martini glass.  

Top with a squeeze of lemon.  

Some people may want a splash of La Croix also.  Use a citrus flavor.  

Please avoid generic triple sec.  It tends to taste like plastic!

Dessert was Skylar’s famous strawberry rhubarb pie.  She does not share her secrets to a flaky perfect crust…but part of her success is a lot of practice!

So make a martini…dirty or not and read this book.  Then make another!