RECIPE

© Frances Janisch

XXX Martini

• Recipe by Cocktails 2006 and Duggan McDonnell

Frisson • San Francisco
Even Duggan McDonnell's wackiest drinks—like his vodka martini that's spiked with a generous shot of black squid ink—have the sublime balance of a classic cocktail.

"I feel like you need to have one cocktail on your menu that is controversial," says McDonnell. "It gives people a sense of discovery."

Ingredients

1. Dash of squid ink (see Note)
2. 1/2 teaspoon water
3. Ice
4. 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons vodka
5. 3 cocktail olives, plus 1 teaspoon brine from the jar

Directions

1. In a cocktail shaker, stir the squid ink with the water. Add ice, the vodka and olive brine and shake well. Strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with the olives.

Notes

Squid ink is available online at spanishtable.com.