Sip and Snack: Mini Martinis (With a Perfect Aussie Gin) Join One-Bite Wonders Around Town This Month

Four Pillars gins lean to the sweeter side – think the Bloody Shiraz and Spiced Negroni takes. The Olive Leaf gin marks its first savoury drop. Following a bunch of awards for the pour, it’s taking the lead again in the return run of the Martini Collective event. Throughout May, 11 restaurants will be stirring mini Martinis with the olive-oil-powered spirit, and plating up a special snack alongside.

At Aalia , the Middle Eastern spot in the CBD, Paul Farag’s designed a delicate one-bite tartlet with labneh and sea urchin. Nearby at The Gidley , the mini ’Tini is served with a taramasalata-stuffed bagel bun, with pickled shallot and pearls of tobiko atop. While in the grand bar and dining room at The Charles , exec chef Billy Hannigan’s made a lovely trout and yuzu kosho tart.

Head to Bistecca for a scorched Gilda, where a pickled onion and an olive are skewered with squid; or Le Foote for the crunch of an artichoke crostini. The fine-dining pros at Bentley have a spectacular little snack: Comté custard with a crisp of tomato, popping with fried capers.

In Surry Hills, the long-adored Nomad has a saltbush tart with goat’s labneh and an olive; and Kiln , atop the Ace Hotel, is doing a fancy fish finger – brioche with olive-brined red spot whiting.

Aria , Shell House and King Clarence are joining in, too. Four Pillars made this gin specifically for Martinis, and the month-long event is an excellent way to enjoy one.

The Martini Collective runs from Wednesday May 1 until Sunday June 2.