Chartreuse Martini
The place: West 5, 4539 California Ave. S.W., Seattle, 206-935-1966, www.westfive.com
Quote: "It's a variation on a classic vodka martini. It gives a really nice herbal flavor to the cocktail, very smooth and refreshing." — co-owner Dave Montoure
The scene: The strategy used by the sophisticated, retro joint known as West 5 is simple but effective.
Step 1. Woo people in with the gooiest, cheesiest homemade mac and cheese ever.
Step 2. Clobber them over the head with yummy cocktails.
They'll never leave.
The West Seattle bar understands old school. Note the yellow leather stools, the neon crown sign at the back and nostalgic black-and-white photos of old businesses on California Avenue. The menu is replete with comfort food like the aforementioned mac, meatloaf and red beans and rice.
The bar caps off the retro vibe with a thorough cocktail menu featuring classic choices like the French 75 and variations such as the tongue-twisting teq-osmopolitan.
But West 5 adores Green Chartreuse liqueur, and that's why we adore West 5.
The Chartreuse Martini has just two ingredients, vodka and Green Chartreuse, a liqueur made in France from 130 plants and flowers. The Chartreuse turns the drink a silky, translucent green and also does the nitty-gritty flavor-lifting, adding an herbal edge with a pine overtone. One friend compared it to essential oil.
The bar also serves other Green Chartreuse concoctions, which is just part of the ploy to keep us captive. It's working.
Chartreuse Martini
3 ounces vodka
½ ounce Green Chartreuse
liqueur
Mint leaf garnish
Combine vodka and liqueur in a pint glass with ice. Shake and strain into cocktail glass. Garnish with mint leaf.
Nicole Tsong: 206-464-2150