A burnt martini: It sounds like it’s being served to you on fire—or at least burnt or smoking—but that’s not the case. While a basic martini is usually made with gin and dry vermouth a burnt martini is telling the bartender you want some peaty single malt scotch in your drink.
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 Behind the Bar | 2019-09-30 23:00:00 |  74,833 Views |
This is how you order a Martini like a boss!
Why would you do this? Well why wouldn’t you? The martini can be upgraded in all sorts of ways; it’s an extremely versatile cocktail. Some people prefer vodka instead of gin. Some people prefer dry martinis (less sweet so less vermouth) and some prefer wet martinis (more vermouth). Some people prefer dirty martinis with olive brine and the addition of olives or capers. You can enjoy pickle martinis spicy martinis lemon drop martinis and French martinis. Either way a burnt martini is a worthy addition to the list. Especially for lovers of smoky and spicy cocktails the burnt martini is the best of both worlds.
A burnt martini is where a peaty scotch plays a starring role. And if you’re looking for a peaty scotch that probably means you’re looking for an Islay scotch (although peaty scotches are now made in other parts of the world). These whiskies are named after Islay an island off the west coast of Scotland that is home to many distilleries that produce peated scotch. The area is known for these distinctive whiskies which are quite smoky earthy and slightly salty. They’re also sharp lending a kind of zesty brightness to mixed drinks.
To make Islay Scotch distilleries use peat to fuel the fires that roast the barley which gives the spirit a smoky flavor. Peat is essentially plant material that has broken down over the years in an oxygen-poor environment. When the peat is burned it produces a distinctively fragrant smoke. According to Laphroaig one of the most popular makers of Islay Scotch peat is burned in a kiln to give the barley that smoky flavor. Not all Islay whiskies are smoky however—some distilleries focus on a fruitier or more floral profile that is smoother and more akin to traditional Highland Scotches like Glenlivet or Balvenie.
