Weekend Cocktail #23: Ginger Martini

This zesty foodnetwork recipe is perfect for the chilly fall weather: it's sweet, tangy and will warm you right up!

You can store the homemade ginger syrup for up to two months or bypass the whole homeade thing and locate a  bottle or jar at your local Asian grocer or specialty food store instead.

 

Ginger Martini 

• 3 oz vodka
• 1 oz ginger syrup (recipe below)
• 1/2 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
• Twist of lemon or lime

1. Pour vodka, ginger syrup, and lime juice into a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Shake vigorously, or stir, until combined and chilled, about 30 seconds.
3. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Add twist and serve.

Ginger Syrup:

• 1 lemon
• 2 cups coarsely chopped fresh ginger with peel
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 cups water

1. Remove the outer peel of the lemon with a vegetable peeler, taking care not to include too much of the bitter white pith.
2. Finely chop the lemon peel and ginger in a food processor.
3. Transfer the lemon-ginger mixture to a medium saucepan, add the sugar and water and bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat, and simmer, partially covered, for 15 minutes.
5. Strain the mixture and cool.
6. Cover and refrigerate for up to 1 week.