Hendrick’s Gin Introduces Greek Salad and Caprese Martinis; Charred Garden Smash Showcases Peated Whisky Trend

Hendrick’s Gin unveiled two savory summer martini recipes—the Greek Salad Martini and the Caprese Martini—featuring Mediterranean ingredients such as cucumber, cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olive brine, mozzarella brine, fresh herbs and feta. The drinks blend the gin’s botanical profile with umami‑rich brines to create a seasonal alternative to sweeter cocktails, reflecting the ongoing rise of savory cocktail trends.

Separately, bar manager Kendall Salgado of Charcoal Grillin in Birmingham, Alabama, developed the Charred Garden Smash, a summer Collins that pairs lightly peated Japanese whisky with pineapple, lime, falernum and fresh basil. Salgado describes the drink as “an exercise in contrast,” noting its bright tropical start that quickly gives way to an earthy, smoky finish, and highlighting a layered‑ice technique that maintains a cold, balanced sip.

Both recipes are positioned for warm‑weather entertaining, from garden parties to barbecues, and illustrate the broader industry move toward inventive, flavor‑forward summer cocktails.