National Day of the Cowboy, this year on July 22, conjures up images of campfires and beans, but Recipes4Rebels gives the day a more interesting spin. This blog celebrates actor James Dean and the recipes that he and his coterie of “Hollywood cowboys” made during Dean’s short life (1931-1955), and marks National Day of the Cowboy by inviting fans to make and post their cowboy-themed (broadly defined) recipes.

My entry to Cowboy Day Cook-Along 2 tweaks the “Giant Martini” concocted by Liz Taylor and Rock Hudson during five weeks of shooting the movie “Giant” with Dean on location in Marfa, Texas. Just 60 miles from the Mexican border, Marfa is probably best known as the haven for visual artist Donald Judd, who arrived in the 1980s to create giant outdoor sculptures. In 1955, when “Giant” was being filmed, Taylor wrote about the “oppressive” heat, humidity and dust. Apparently, this chocolate martini took the edge off.

The original recipe on Recipes4Rebels calls for Kahlua and Hershey’s syrup, but I changed it up with Frangelico and Ghiradelli syrup. Since when did Liz Taylor ever stray from an upgrade to something more luxurious?

I also decided to use mint as a garnish – probably not something that grows in Marfa in July, but a nice contrast in color and an additional pop in flavor. Below is my adaptation to this refreshing, if sweet, antidote to a hot day.

“Giant” Chocolate Martini (1955)
Serves 1

2 ounces vodka
1 ounce Frangelico
2 ounces chocolate syrup
1 sprig mint, for garnish

Combine the vodka, Frangelico and chocolate syrup in a cocktail shaker. Fill with ice. Shake until very cold. Strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a mint sprig.