Firebirds
Southpoint, Durham, NC
$10
This martini doesn't have a long list of ingredients, but classic martinis never do, subsisting on quality liquor with a personalized touch of what gets the drinker's juices flowing whether vermouth, blue-cheese-stuffed olives, or cocktail onions. The Double Black Diamond martini is even simpler than that, just Svedka citron vodka infused with fresh pineapple for 21 days and shaken up before pouring into the glass. In fact, you can see that infusion happening in the bar of most Firebird locations, layers of pineapple rings in a glass jug filled with vodka. It's gorgeous to look at on the bar and in the glass.
This martini is a wonderfully smooth and potent drink. The pineapple coats your throat with some grit, making the lightly citrus vodka a pleasure to sip throughout a meal. If you're worried straight vodka would be too much for you, see if the Double Black Diamond can't change your mind.
Reviewed 20 Jan 13.
Most of my posts on nightlife feature a specific cocktail that I’ve enjoyed rather than focusing on the atmosphere of the bar, club, or wine bar that I’m patronizing. Largely, that’s because I care more about what’s in my glass than I do what’s playing on the speakers. However, I am far more likely to enjoy neighborhood dive bars and wine bars than I am a club or anywhere with loud music. I’ll still give the latter a try, and if the beverages are inventive and fun, I’ll be back no matter the soundtrack!