Martini of Champions

In celebration of the XXI Winter Olympiad, try this drink inspired by the elite athletes competing there.

As the saying goes, "writing about music is like dancing about architecture." We at The Mark think this is not the end of the discussion, but the beginning. So, we challenged some of our contributors to create an artwork in their medium, inspired by another.

Keep your eyes and ears peeled for more Dancing About Architecture pieces featuring butter tart-inspired art from Charles Pachter, a piano composition based on a photograph from Todor Kobakov, and another piece from Jeremy Parsons – this one a mac n’ cheese about architecture.

When first I heard “One Day” by Matisyahu, the theme song for the 2010 winter Olympics, I understood immediately why it had been chosen. With its hope-inspired lyrics backed by airy, wintry music, the song sets a perfect scene for anyone who has seen the snow dusted pines on a crisp sunny day. And what Canadian hasn't seen that kind of winter day, especially in the Rockies? After listening to “One Day” several times, I felt inspired by the lyrical musings to create a drink to match how I felt.

I thought about what goes into being a winner, as well as the literal elements that go into making the winter Olympics. I asked a few experts on the subject and they told me that there are three ingredients to making an elite athlete. First, they have to engage in approximately 10,000 hours of practice to master the fundamentals. Second, they need the innate ability that sets them apart from all the others who’ve spent the time, the thing beyond muscle memory. Third, they need the opportunity to engage in these actions at the right developmental time.

Translating this into a drink, I started with strawberry and crème de framboise purée that is frozen in the bottom of the glass. This is the 10,000 hours of rehearsal. It sets the foundation and keeps the ingredients cold to help set the meringue.

Next, I added vanilla vodka and crème de cacao. This is the fluid transfer between mind and body needed to perform with consistent execution at an elite level.

Then came the gift from heaven for sweet-toothed lovers of desserts – meringue. This light-as-air substance that floats on liquid is the slice of sweet cloud that separates this drink from any other.

Finally, I capped it off with ignited espresso vodka, which hardens the peaks and adds further depth of flavour. I see this as the test of ability. The trial by fire needed to solidify an athlete’s skills. As any baker knows, if the meringue isn't made properly it will crack under the heat. This is what separates perfection and imperfection.

The lightness of the visual characteristics of the drink also captures the light, windswept sounds of ”One Day.” And then there is the obvious Canadian flag theme with the red and white colours.

Yes, I do get that into my cocktail creations!

ECP martini (espresso chocolate perfection)

Liquid:

• 1 oz Stolichnaya vanilla vodka
• 1 oz McGuiness white crème de cacao
• Strawberry base
• 3 fresh strawberries
• .5 oz. Framboise
• Meringue
• 2 egg whites
• 6 tbsp extra fine sugar
• Spray
• 3 oz. olive espresso vodka

Directions:

1. Using an emulsion blender, purée the strawberries and framboise until liquid. Pour contents into the bottom of a champagne flute and place in freezer until almost frozen solid.
2. Add egg whites and sugar unto a chilled metal bowl. Blend on high using an emulsion blender adding each tbsp of sugar while blending constantly until stiff peaks develop. Pour contents into a whipped cream canister and place in fridge.
3. Remove glass from freezer.
4. In a shaker half filled with ice, add the Stolichnaya vanilla vodka and crème de cacao. Shake contents until well chilled. Strain into glass.
5. Using the back of a spoon inserted into the mouth of the champagne flute. Spray the foam across the spoon so it slides on top of the liquid so that is it just above the rim of the glass.
6. Add espresso vodka into a misto and pump full of air. Holding the misto spray close to an open flame from a lighter, ignite the spray, and bake the meringue on the top of the glass.
7. Serve and enjoy the most decadent bi-temperature cocktail you will ever have.