Domestic doyenne releases new cocktail app for summer

(Martha Stewart Cocktails)

When Martha Stewart does cocktails, there are no kitschy umbrellas.

No, in her new cocktail recipe app Martha Stewart Cocktails, released last week, garnishes are more high-brow than that: they involve rosemary sprigs, cinnamon sticks, mint leaves, and citrus twists with nary a paper umbrella to be found.

Recipes also involve more unconventional and perhaps obscure cocktail ingredients like cardamom pods and shiso leaves.

The new app, designed specifically for the iPad, features a hundred cocktail recipes and 25 bar snack ideas which can be purchased in five themed bundles.

They include Martha's Classics like Bloody Mary and Artichoke-Parmesan Crostini; regional favorites like Mint Julep; summer coolers like plum and pineapple sangria; ‘cutting-edge' cocktails like violet-Prosecco cocktails paired with roasted spiced chickpeas; and mocktails like cucumber limeaid.

The app also includes ‘how-to' videos, a unit converter, and tips on cocktail preparation and stocking the bar.

Meanwhile, early reviews are divided between satisfied customers -"This app was the hit of my cocktail party last night," - to bitter disappointment about the fact that themed bundles must be purchased separately - "I can't believe I paid for this. I expected more."

Another iPad app, Diffords Cocktails #8, was named the top drinks app by The Sunday Times for providing more than 2,600 recipes along with full color photographs. It costs $6.99.

The Martha Stewart Cocktails app costs $0.99.

http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/martha-stewart-cocktails/id433506943?mt=8#