The Ultimate Martini Food Pairings with King Island Coastal Gin

A martini is a ritual—timeless, deliberate, and deeply satisfying. And when that martini is crafted with King Island Coastal Gin, it presents an opportunity to pair appetisers to enhance the flavour of the gin and elevate the experience for your guests.

The Serve: King Island Coastal Gin Martini

Start with the hero: a martini that’s crisp, and unmistakably refined.

Recipe:

• 60ml King Island Coastal Gin
• 10ml dry vermouth stirred over ice until ice-cold
• Strain into a chilled martini glass
• Garnish: lemon twist or samphire sprig

Now, let’s set the table.

1. Freshly Shucked Oysters with Cucumber Mignonette

There is no better companion to a coastal martini than freshly shucked oysters—briny, clean, and oceanic in nature.

Recipe:

• 1 dozen oysters, shucked
• 2 tbsp finely diced cucumber
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp finely chopped shallot
• Pinch of sea salt

Serve chilled, mignonette on the side. The cucumber and vinegar mirror the gin’s citrus and herbaceous notes.

Perfect with: Lemon twist martini and the ocean breeze.

2. Kingfish Crudo with Lemon Oil & Sea Salt

A dish that’s as pristine and minimalist as your martini. Raw kingfish, thinly sliced, dressed in a whisper of flavour.

Recipe:

• Sashimi-grade kingfish, sliced thin
• Lemon-infused olive oil
• Flaky sea salt
• Micro herbs (shiso, dill, or baby basil)

Optional: add a few drops of King Island Coastal Gin to the dressing for aromatic synergy.

3. Saltbush & Fennel-Crusted Calamari

Australian coastal flavours come alive with saltbush and fennel—both beautifully complementary to the Coastal Gin classic botanicals.

Recipe:

• Calamari tubes, sliced into rings
• Lightly coated in a mix of semolina, crushed dried saltbush, and fennel seed
• Flash-fried until golden
• Serve with lemon wedges and aioli

Pair with a martini that has a briny olive or pickled fennel garnish to draw the flavours through.

4. Herbed Flatbread with Whipped Goats Cheese & Lemon Zest

Soft and luxurious, this flatbread brings creamy texture and bright acidity to the table—without overshadowing the cocktail.

Recipe:

• Homemade or store-bought flatbread, warmed
• Whipped goats cheese (blended with cream and a touch of olive oil)
• Lemon zest, dill, cracked pepper
• Drizzle of honey or coastal thyme, if desired

Serve cut into small wedges, garnished with micro herbs.

5. Scallop Ceviche with Finger Lime & Gin Dressing

The natural sweetness of scallops meets the tart sparkle of finger lime in this showstopping coastal dish.

Recipe:

• Thinly sliced raw scallops
• 1 tsp King Island Coastal Gin
• 1 tsp lime juice
• 1 tsp olive oil
• Pinch of sea salt
• Finger lime pearls to finish

Delicate and bright, it plays beautifully with the martini’s mineral and citrus profile.

A Taste of the Coast, Wherever You Are

Each of these dishes form an unforgettable coastal entertaining experience—one where every element is intentional, every sip is savoured, and every bite is anchored in elegance.

Explore the full range of King Island spirits and bring coastal sophistication to your next gathering.

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