Adelaide Food Central was invited to taste test The Collin Bar’s Limited Martini Collection along with other guests. All food and drink were provided free of charge.

The special tasting event saw us taste 9 different Martinis, rate each one and come up with names for each. In between each drink, we were given background information and interesting tidbits. We had a boozy afternoon ahead of us and we were certainly looking forward to it.

The Plymouth Sloe Gin gives a great depth of flavour with its deep earthy tones. The slight citrusy sweetness from the fresh pressed lemon also adds to its complexity. The marmalade peels also add a very nice candied sweetness to the drink. The egg whites were a silky, light foam that was rich on the tongue yet a perfect neutral base for the sweet marmalade sitting on top.

Out of all the drinks the Spiked Gin was perhaps the most feminine and the prettiest presentation wise. The drink itself was a shade of bright pink from the Crème de Violette. It was served in a beautiful vintage coupe and was topped with candied lavender; a little pleasing sweet tasting detail that I particularly liked. Its aroma and taste was pleasantly floral but not overly sweet. The addition of the fresh pressed lemon juice added a touch of freshness to the drink.

The Grand Marnier was perhaps the most refreshing and tastiest drink out of the collection mainly due to the fresh pressed strawberries. The addition of the black pepper and fresh basil both added a little bite to the drink but were all very subtle and not too overpowering. The spice-infused syrup also added subtle layers of warmth to the highly refreshing drink.

The Fruit Loop infused vodka was definitely the most interesting and innovative out of the drinks and brings back nostalgic childhood memories of eating Fruit Loops and watching cartoons at breakfast time. The carefully selected seemingly fruit-based themed concoction used Cointreau, coconut syrup, pineapple juice and fresh pressed strawberries. These ingredients complimented each other and re-awoke the childhood nostalgia for the drinker; a highly recommended drink.

Personally, the Dulce Vida was my least favourite drink. I found the presence of the tequila a little too strong although the high quality Dulce Vida Reposado was evident with its sheer smooth taste. I thought the T2 nougat tea syrup added an adequately pleasant sweetness to the drink.

The Collins Bar is the place to go for premium quality drinks which use the highest quality ingredients. With friendly and knowledgeable staff, and stylish and sophisticated surroundings, this is the perfect place to come for drinks or for any celebratory occasion.

Words and Photos by Linh Nguyen

WHERE: 223 Victoria Square, Adelaide