We Can't Decide If We Love Or Hate The Latest Comfort Food-Inspired Martini

We love a good martini in pretty much all forms. Gin or vodka, shaken or stirred, dirty or with a twist, it's all good. But we were, shall we say, puzzled by a new version from @VeryGoodDrinks on Instagram. Though maybe we shouldn't be surprised, as the page has also featured hits like a 7 Layer Dip Cocktail, and a sake-based miso soup broth-tail. The recipe? A chicken soup martini. And we aren't talking about dumping a shot of vodka into a bowl of Campbell's, but a carefully constructed soupy cocktail. 

To make the martini, you start out with a mirepoix (carrot, onion, and celery) just like you would for an actual chicken soup. After the mirepoix is sauteed in olive oil, it's topped with gin and left to infuse, then frozen and strained. The other component is a bullion brine. And while a chicken soup martini may get a knee-jerk reaction of revulsion, we are actually pretty intrigued by the concept. 

In the not-so-distant past, another brothy cocktail dominated swanky bars. It was known as the bullshot and included beef broth, vodka, and Worcestershire sauce. The savory nature of the drink offered a contrast to overly-sweet cocktails, similar to a Bloody Mary. And after all, what we love in a dirty (or filthy) martini is not necessarily the olive taste, but the way the salty brine gives the drink an extra umami kick. Chicken soup broth can easily do this, too. Plus, the olive oil works as a flavor enhancer thanks to the fat content. 

We believe the straining of the infused gin should take away the ick factor, and it should be noted the drink doesn't contain any actual chicken bits. If you're keen to try out the cocktail, be sure to go with a mild, clean gin — nothing too botanical, as it would likely not pair well with the savory elements. The mirepoix infusion would also pair well with vodka if you prefer.