It’s been a while since I posted a recipe to the blog. Mostly I’ve been using this platform to get updates out to you all about what’s going on with the biz. Speaking of… thank you to everyone who’s been coming to the pop-ups and placing orders. I’m having so much fun seeing you all and working on your cookies (and cakes and breads). Your support means the world to me. Stay tuned for more pop-up and product announcements coming soon!

Ok, back to the recipe. In honor of my late, great-uncle Richard’s upcoming birthday (he would be 102 on April 18th), I’m publishing the recipe for his signature drink – the three-olive martini 🍸

My Great Uncle Richard was truly a shining light in the world. His life wasn’t easy, and yet he managed to remain an eternal optimist. He had not one bitter bone in his body. He loved and accepted everyone he met just the way they were.

He showed up to every family gathering with a giant bowl of punch and a handwritten family tree, always kept current with partners, kids and babies, births and deaths.

We were lucky that Uncle Richard stayed as sharp as he’d always been until his death at age 96. One of my favorite family pics was taken with him on his 96th birthday at the top of Crystal Mountain. We took the gondola up to have martinis at the mountain top bar because, as Uncle Richard said, “martinis taste best at altitude.”

He was a fun, gentle, and kind soul who is greatly loved and missed. So, every April 18th we make his favorite cocktail- the three olive martini- and cheers to a life well lived. Won’t you join us this year?

Uncle Richard’s 3-Olive Martini

Yield: 1 drink

Time: 5 minutes

Ingredients:

2 1/2 oz (75mL) gin

1/2 oz (15mL) dry vermouth

small splash olive brine

3 olives

1. Pour gin, vermouth and brine into a cocktail shaker

2. Fill with ice

3. Shake until good and cold

4. Strain into your favorite cocktail glass

5. Garnish with 3 olives on a toothpick

6. Toast Uncle Richard and enjoy

Recipe Notes:

1. Opinions and emotions run high on shaking vs stirring martinis. I like shaking this one because it homogenizes the olive brine, distributing it evenly. And it makes it icy cold.

2. I have heard that dirty martinis are good when made with vodka because it allows the brine flavor to come through more. Sounds delicious, but we are a gin family, so I have never tried it.

3. Measurements are approximate. I usually just pour in amounts of vermouth and brine that “seem right.” So, make your drink how you like it. Be yourself and hug your people. Tell them you love them, the way Uncle Richard always did.

April 2025 Update: I’ve noticed a welcome trend in the past year or so. When I’ve ordered a martini, it has come with a savory drizzle of delicious olive oil. Now I can have my martini no other way. So, if you are inclined, finish your beverage by topping with just a few drops of some really good olive oil. You’re welcome.