he heart of the martini culture is the advent of creative martinis. Purists won't buy into it, but today's martini can call for mint or other herbs. For a creative martini, many of the recipes beg for the flavoured variety.

6 Parts Bombay Sapphire gin
1 Part sugar syrup
1 drop orange bitters
8 fresh mint leaves

Finely chopped mint leaves

Shake all ingredients vigorously with ice so that the ice breaks up the mint. Pour through a fine gauze strainer into a frosted glass.

If the balance of this drink is not correct it can taste awful.