Are the winter doldrums setting in? With the holidays behind us, and a long winter still ahead of us, February is the perfect month to plan something fun.

A martini party for several of your favorite couples is a quick and easy party to throw. And for those of your friends who prefer not to drink, many martinis can be made without alcohol.

Start collecting martini glasses in pairs. The more variety, the more fun!

Tie your party together with hors d'oevres trays that are similar - all glass, all silver, or all vintage.

Here are two fail-proof martini recipes.

Dirty Martini
6 fluid ounces vodka (we recommend Ketel One)
1 dash dry vermouth (we recommend Martini and Rossi)
1 fluid ounce brine from olive jar
6 stuffed green olives

In a cocktail mixing glass filled with ice, combine vodka, dry vermouth, and olive brine. Stir. 
Serve on the rocks, or strain into chilled martini glass. Garnish each glass with three olives.
Makes 2 martinis.

Kahlua Espresso Martini
3 fluid ounces Kahlua
2 fluid ounce vodka (we recommend Ketel One)
2 fluid ounce freshly brewed espresso
Cocoa powder
Chocolate covered espresso beans

Put cocoa powder into a shallow saucer. Fill a second shallow saucer with water (just enough to wet the rim of the glass). Invert chilled martini glass into the water saucer, then invert glass into cocoa powder.  
In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine Kahlua, vodka, and espresso. Shake vigorously. Strain into rimmed martini glass.
Garnish with chocolate covered espresso beans.
Makes 2 martinis.


Fun Fact: 
Did you know real martinis aren't shaken? They should always be stirred! Sorry Mr. Bond!