Marinated olives from Eleven Madison Home, made for the bar named after the painter Francesco Clemente. Fat Spanish Gordal olives, infused with the warm Indian spice of his years between Italy and India. An 8.7-ounce jar.

Cumin, coriander, green cardamom, fennel, star anise and a little chili steep into dry vermouth until the brine tastes like somewhere far away. Complex, savory, a little exotic. These do not need a martini to justify them, though they improve one considerably.

For the friend who makes the drinks at every party. For the host who sets out something unexpected. For the person with strong opinions about vermouth.

Gordal olives in spiced vermouth brine. 8.7 oz jar. From Eleven Madison Home.