In researching my previous article on the Martini, I learned that Martini purists are not very fond of calling anything a Martini when the classic recipe has been tampered with.

It was probably hard enough on the purists to accept the rise in popularity of the vodka Martini (versus the original gin version) but they also have had to endure what I call Martini hybrids such as chocolate, apple, watermelon concoctions that people also refer to as Martinis.

Not to pile on the purists again but I also wrote that Martini hybrids keep the Martini tradition and interest alive which, I think, is a good thing.  Regardless that, we all share a common bond – an attraction to this famous drink.

Recently, I made a trip to the historical, outdoor Eastern Market in Detroit Michigan to spend a Saturday of shopping for the freshest meats, fruits and vegetables in our locale and to watch the street musicians show off their exceptional talents.

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It was there that I stumbled upon the small display by a vendor called American Premium Blends, selling mostly small, 8 ounce bottles of cherry and blueberry juice concentrates they market as Michigan grown; natural; healthy; scientifically developed products that provide high volumes of antioxidants.

Their website states that doctors Frederick Valeriote, Ph. D. and Russell Betts Ph. D wanted a great tasting antioxidant supplement that contained fruits and berries that were grown and harvested in the United States.  They created these concentrates blending blueberry, blackberry, cherry and apples.

I tried a small sample of the Cherry Harvest product and it was very sweet and a little tangy, but very good.  They suggested adding an ounce to such foods as yogurt, oatmeal, pancakes, salads, smoothies, etc.  This seemed all good to me so I decided to buy an 8-ounce bottle of the Cherry Harvest product for $6.

When getting ready to move on, the sales lady said to me that you could even add this to your favorite cocktails.  I jokingly asked her, “how about a Martini?”  She said, “yeah, I add an equal part of Cherry Harvest to an equal part of vodka in the Martinis I mix.”  Now that grabbed my attention.

So I took her advice and tried it in my next Martini.  I mixed my usual ingredients and added one ounce of Cherry Harvest; stirred it carefully and dropped in the olives.  I wasn’t sure what to expect, as the clear Martini turned completely red.  I finally took a couple of sips and….it tasted pretty darn good!  A nice change of pace.

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But what can I call this masterpiece?  Cherry Martini is far too boring.  I’ll have to eventually think of something a little more catchy.  (I’m open to any suggestions from readers of this article.) 

So, you can have your cake and eat it too, so to speak – a relaxing buzz that’s a little bit healthy. 

Here is how I do it:

• 1 ½ ozs. of gin (Beefeaters, of course)
• 1 oz. of vodka (Absolute of Smirnoff)
• ¼ oz of dry vermouth (Martini & Rossi – another classic)
• 1 oz. of Cherry Harvest
• stir in ice and strain into a V-shaped cocktail glass
• add an olive or two (garlic flavored)

And, as always, I make no apologies to the fun governors out there who may be upset the notion of a healthy cocktail.