Pineapple Express: A martini found at Formosa, served with pineapple juice and crushed ice to give a fresh martini version to what would normally be a blended ice drink.

Primary Alcohol: Vodka and Peach Schnapps

My experience came on a sushi night at Formosa, offering half-priced martinis. It jumped off the page at me because of the spin-off of a popular movie and semi-famous strain.

The ingredients only solidified my decision. The name being the obvious reason for selection, but the peach schnapps and pineapple juice remind me of a warmer time. Not in Iowa.

Appearance: Pale yellow with little ice shavings on the top and a frosty head.

Taste: The pineapple and peach schnapps are the dominant flavors here, but the pineapple juice and blended ice remind me of a peach piña colada. It’s very easy to drink one, extremely easy to drink two.

Advice: A great complementary cocktail for pre-dinner drinks, it can complicate the taste of the entrée at dinner.

— by Ben Verhille