Gin-Marinated Olive Martini

Directions

1. 1
   Combine gin and vermouth in a cocktail shaker with cracked ice.
2. 2
   Cover and shake until chilled.
3. 3
   Strain into a martini glass and add the olives.
4. 4
   Enjoy!
5. 5
   1 cup colossal size, pimiento-stuffed green olives
6. 6
   1/4 cup gin
7. 7
   1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
8. 8
   5 (1/4-inch wide) strips lemon peel, each about 3-inches long
9. 9
   Combine all ingredients in a non-reactive dish and cover tightly.
10. 10
    Allow olives to marinate at least 2 to 3 hours or up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
11. 11
    (If you are only marinating them for a few hours, leave the olives in the marinade at room temperature.)
12. 12
    Yield: 1 cup olives
13. 13
    Note: These olives are great in martinis and also double as a quick party hors d'oeuvre.
14. 14
    If you plan on using them exclusively as an hors d'oeuvre, drizzle a little extra-virgin olive