In the aftermath of National Martini Day (Tuesday, June 19) – the official holiday to satisfy your sophisticated taste over swanky sips, we’ve taken it upon ourselves to scribe a boozy retrospect regarding our favorite local ‘tinis.
While Don Draper has redefined the classic reputation of the bold, stiff drink into something trendy and sought-after, it’s Philadelphia suburban mixologists who have us itching for a four-martini lunch.
Bellying up to the bar of King of Prussia’s Sullivan’s Steakhouse on a recent weekday afternoon – one with a set-up that evokes the Prohibition-era in America, the above proclamation was confirmed with just one sip of their signature martini, the Knock-out. The house special of the jazzy steakhouse, concocted by the charming Kristin Colgan, offered the perfect combination of savory and sweet. As revealed by Colgan, the best-selling ‘tail is the simple remedy of Svedka Clementine Vodka steeped in fresh Dole pineapples for two straight weeks.
Although the how-to suggests a quick-and-easy process, the time-extensive infusion allows the spirit to transform into one crafty, complex beverage. Once their infusion is complete, the savvy staff of Sullivan’s bartenders press the pineapples to ensure that the natural flavors are incorporated among the straight-up vodka. This cocktail-making last step is crucial, as it masks the standard “vodka burn,” packs on a fragrant pineapple punch, and even creates a subtle vanilla backbone that one could assume is from the blend of pineapple aside clementine.
With Colgan’s humble, yet confident note that she can whip up a martini to please anyone’s palate, we decided to take her up on this test and explore another of her “shaken-not-stirred” skill sets by sampling one of Sullivan’s dessert ‘tinis, the Banana Cream Pie. Could it be that this bartender was after a gal’s banana-loving heart? Maybe. But, we were up for the tasting challenge.
Muddling fresh banana was just the start of this martini-in-the-making. Soon, Baileys Irish Cream was splashed with Kahlua and Hiram Walker Creme de Banana. But, the icing on this cocktail cake was the rim, sealed with whipped cream and crusted with graham cracker crumbs. Honestly, with just one quick slurp, I would skip meals for this marvelous dessert in a glass – any and every day.
While we’d suspect that the Knock-out or the Banana Cream Pie were enough to tease you into a visit to Sullivan’s, here’s another perk: on Thursdays and Sundays, martinis are half-off, on special for just $6 each. Other unique ‘tails on martini menu that we suggest are must-tries include the Blueberry Lemon Drop, CEO Martini (served with bleu cheese-stuffed olives), and the raspberry vodka-infused Red Over Heels Martini.
Looking for even more martini recommendations? Below you’ll find additional unique Main Line sips available at your fingertips:
- 333 Belrose features a perfect summertime cocktail, the Cucumber Martini, concocted with Pearl One Cucumber vodka, tonic, and a splash of lime juice. Another favorite? The Green Tea Martini, which features neither gin nor vodka, but Jameson Irish Whiskey.
- Nectar’s Lotus Lychee Martini always steals the show for us, a mingling of grapefruit nectar with lychee liqueur, vodka, simple syrup and finished with lychee. Another favorite? The Bangkok Mango Martini – fresh mango puree with vodka and ginger infused simple syrup.
- Ella’s American Bistro house-infuses vodka for their signature martini, so pick your delicious poison as house-infused vodka with passion fruit, pineapple, guava, jalapeno or watermelon is on hand. You can never go wrong with the Root Beer Float Martini, made with Three Olives Root Beer Vodka, cola and a splash of cream, or the Dock of the Bay, a mingling of Belvedere Vodka with Elderberry Liqueur, citrus fruits, basil, cucumber and club soda.
- Paramour’s Bee’s Knees is more than just a fun name. The blend of Plymouth Gin, lavender tincture, fresh lemon and honey, keeps us constantly buzzing back for more.
Find Sullivan’s Steakhouse at 700 West Dekalb Pike in King of Prussia or online at sullivanssteakhouse.com/king_of_prussia.
