Although they don’t drink much alcohol in Muslim countries, I took license and created a “Moroccan martini.” A couple of things to bear in mind: Always use the best-quality vodka available, and take the time to carefully cut a curlicue or swirl of orange zest to garnish the cocktail. If you like, use orange­-­flavored ­vodka. For a spicier version, you can marinate the cardamom pods and cinnamon sticks in a bottle of vodka beginning at least 24 hours in advance; the spices will infuse the neutral liquor with their heady ­flavors.

Ingredients

• 12 ounces ­vodka
• 1 1/2 to 2 ounces dry vermouth
• 6 cardamom ­pods
• 6 ­cinnamon sticks
• Zest of 1 ­orange

Instructions

1. Chill 6 martini glasses.

2. Pour the vodka and vermouth into a shaker filled with ice and shake well. Strain the vodka­-­vermouth mixture into the chilled glasses, add a cardamom pod and a cinnamon stick to each glass, garnish with the orange zest, and serve.

Other Martini Recipes

Chocolate Martini
Mint Summer Night-ini
Peppermint Martini
Pomegranate Martini
Sour Apple Martini
Sparkling Martini
Vodka Martini
Watermelon Martini

Tips

Chilling a Martini Glass
Mixing a Delicious Martini
The Martini Mystique