I could post about Mariana Zapata a million times, and it would not be enough! I didn’t need one, but this Lingus martini is the perfect reason to share one of my favorite slow-burn romances. You can thank Pinterest for reminding me that porn star martinis exist. If you have note read it already, Lingus is a spectacular friends to lovers romance that starts in a strange place. The chemistry is instant when Kat and Tristan meet at a porn convention. Like the drink that inspired this one, Tristan is a porn star, which prevents them from starting a romantic relationship. Instead, they are the best of friends, always joking and taking care of one another, even adopting a dog together. The slow-burn is absolutely devastating because their friendship is just SO BEAUTIFUL.

Inside the drink

I could not resist pairing this book with the porn star martini. The porn star is a mix of vanilla vodka, passion fruit, lime, and sparkling wine (mixed or served on the side). My Lingus martini is a variation that better captures the feeling of Kat and Tristan’s relationship. This book is a true comfort to me because it captures such a healthy, lovely relationship built on friendship, mutual respect, and caring. It’s also full of delightful banter. Nothing says comfort quite like chamomile and honey. I know it sounds odd in a martini, but the pop of passion fruit’s tropical flavor and a subtle florals pair really well. You can probably tell from my other recipes that I love florals. The passion fruit absolutely needed no substitution. It’s delicious and is associated with friendship, love, and harmony.

Although the chamomile-infused vodka replaces the usual vanilla, I kept a touch of vanilla, which is associated with warmth, softness, and caring. It is also an aphrodisiac *wink wink*. Lemon instead of lime is a subtle substitution that invokes happiness and sunshine. It also reminds me of tea and honey. If you want to dig really deep, you could say it’s a cold curative that reminds me of Kat taking care of a super sick Tristan.

The touch of glitter, while optional, really ties the drink together aesthetically. It makes the drink glow like sunlight

Print Recipe

Lingus Martini

Inspired by Lingus by Mariana Zapata, this cocktail is a spin on the porn star martini that incorporates chamomile and honey.

Course: Drinks

Keyword: Cocktail, Floral, Fruity, Vodka

Servings: 1 cocktail

Ingredients

• 1 ½ oz vodka
• 1 tsp dried chamomile flowers optional: mix in some dried chrysanthemum
• 1 oz passion fruit pulp with seeds
• 1 ½ tbsp honey mixed with ½ tbsp warm water
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 drop vanilla extract
• 1 shot sparkling wine

To rim glass:

• 1 tsp granulated sugar
• 1 pinch sea salt
• 1 pinch edible glitter optional

Instructions

• Combine the vodka with the dried flowers and set aside for at least 1 hour to infuse.
• In a cocktail shaker with ice, combine the infused vodka, passion fruit, vanilla extract, thinned honey, and lemon juice.
• Rim a glass with granulated sugar, sea salt, and (optional) gold glitter. Pour the chilled cocktail in the glass and add a sprinkle of glitter if desired. Serve the cocktail alongside a shot glass with chilled sparkling wine.

Notes

For a virgin/non-alcoholic drink, omit the vodka, double the passion fruit, and (optional) top the drink with sparkling water.