Martinis never go out of fashion. At Morton's, in Tsim Sha Tsui, they are the most popular drink for guests enjoying the harbour view from the bar, which serves up a tantalising selection of 40 varieties of the cocktail. The highlight is the signature 'Heavenly Mortini' menu: four cocktails that were devised by a mixologist hired by the restaurant's Chicago headquarters. The range includes a cosmopolitan and a margarita, but not in their standard incarnations; all four are topped with a Grand Marnier and passion-fruit foam. The mix of passion-fruit puree, orange liqueur, egg whites and sweet and sour mix, whipped into a foam in a nitrogen canister, can be omitted when you make the drinks at home.
The Heavenly Palm Beacher uses pineapple-infused vodka and is great to make at home. Peel and core a pineapple and cut rings about 2.5cm thick. Stack them in a large jar with vodka and a handful of mint leaves. The mint should be taken out after a few days, but the pineapple can infuse for at least 10 days before the liquor is ready. The syrupy vodka is great served in a fruity martini, although the foam adds a luxurious touch.
'We wanted something visually appealing, a little different and fashionable,' says general manager Stephen McCrimmon. 'We use only premium ingredients and the foam tops off the flavours nicely.' There is also a pomegranate-based fruit martini, riding the trend for the fruit, which is high in antioxidants.
Morton's bartender Gerald Bedana also makes a mean mix himself. He recently won a cocktail competition run by Cathay Pacific with Cloud 9, a mojito-style drink with a vodka base. 'I wanted to create something very light with a lower alcohol base so it can be served on a plane,' says Bedana. It's also easy for the crew to mix it in the cabin.' The drink is set to be renamed and served to business and first-class travellers on Cathay flights.
You can try the Heavenly Mortini (HK$125) at Morton's, Sheraton Hotel, 4/F, 20 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, tel: 2732 2343, or visit on weekdays from 5pm-7pm, when a selection of the restaurant's classic cocktails, such as the Chocolate Martini, Negroni and Cosmopolitan, can be enjoyed for HK$55 each with complimentary filet mignon sandwiches, perfect to soak up the alcohol.
Heavenly Pomegranate Mortini