Ultimate Brotini #8 – The Bloody Capone Martini

For eight days, we’re hitting you with the bravest, most stereotypically dude-worthy cocktails we can dig up. Some of these you can make yourself, and at least one is only found at a posh bar at a Manhattan cheese shop, and only by request. You’re bound to be inspired to down some brave spirits, and you’ll certainly rethink the idea of a martini.

It's not in a martini glass!! Sue us.

Guys, meet the mean, spicy drink named for one of the greatest gangsters of all time, Al Capone. He was known for bootlegging liquor during the Prohibition era and other vices — like running a ring of naughty whores!

Why so bloody? Al Capone and  his gang were responsible for the Saint Valentine’s Day Massacre in which seven of his enemies were brutally gunned down against a garage wall by anonymous assassins. The sole survivor at the scene was rushed to the hospital with fourteen bullet wounds, and when asked who shot him, he said “Nobody shot me.” Good answer. We’re guessing he was into surviving… but he died three hours later of his wounds.

Victims of the St. Valentine's Day massacre.

So as you raise your glass, think of Capone. He was certainly a charismatic leader even if he was on the wrong side of the law.

The Bloody Capone

1.50 parts Canadian Club Classic 12 (whisky)
2.0 parts Tomato juice
2.0 parts Clamato juice
Dash of garlic salt
3 turns of fresh ground pepper medley
2 fresh basil leaves
4 dashes Worchester sauce
2 dashes Tabasco sauce

Directions: Muddle basil first then combine all ingredients with ice in a mixing glass. Gently roll back and forth into a mixing tin. Strain into a chilled parmesan cheese/chili powder rimmed cocktail glass.

Garnish with a mini mozzarella cheese ball, cherry tomato, and a basil leaf on a pick or a lemon wedge on the rim.