“Shaken, not stirred” is the well known catch phrase from James Bond and his preference for how he liked his martini prepared. Whatever method you prefer, a good martini is hard to beat.
Last night we hosted our annual ornament exchange party at our house. Not sure exactly how long we have had this traditional event. Each year this is the party that kicks off the holiday party season. In years past it has been a very large event which has leveled to a much more intimate group. Smaller venues are much more enjoyable in my opinion since it gives you the time to visit with each person and truly catch up.
I adore the idea of creating a signature cocktail for a party in addition to serving wine and other beverages. Last night was no exception. The Walnut Creek Yacht Club serves a Zentini which they have been quite infamous for. It is a blend of ginger simple syrup, mint, and lime and of course vodka. The marriage of these flavors is absolutely magical.
My friend Helen’s husband Phil, is one heck of a great bartender. Knowing that he would have that special touch for making the Ginger Martini, I asked him if would be the mixologist for the evening and he graciously obliged. About half the guests indulged into this adult libation and experienced this down right delightful concoction.
Even if you are not a martini drinker, you might want to give this a try. You just might convert over. If you do love martinis, I hope this quickly becomes your next favorite cocktail.
Ginger Martini
1 ½ ounces vodka (Grey Goose)
½ ounce Ginger syrup
3 to 4 Mint leaves
½ Lime, cut into 4 small cubes
Add all of the above ingredients to a martini shaker with ½ cup crushed ice. Using a muddler, break down the mint and lime. Then shake the ingredients together and pour through the strainer portion of the shaker into a chilled glass.
Ginger Syrup
2 C. Water
2 C. Sugar
1 - 2 large ginger root, cut into one inch pieces
In a small saucepan add the water and sugar. Bring to boil while stirring a few times. Reduce to a simmer and add the ginger. Let cook for about one hour. When ready, strain and transfer to a glass container and allow to cool to room temperature.
Last night we hosted our annual ornament exchange party at our house. Not sure exactly how long we have had this traditional event. Each year this is the party that kicks off the holiday party season. In years past it has been a very large event which has leveled to a much more intimate group. Smaller venues are much more enjoyable in my opinion since it gives you the time to visit with each person and truly catch up.
I adore the idea of creating a signature cocktail for a party in addition to serving wine and other beverages. Last night was no exception. The Walnut Creek Yacht Club serves a Zentini which they have been quite infamous for. It is a blend of ginger simple syrup, mint, and lime and of course vodka. The marriage of these flavors is absolutely magical.
My friend Helen’s husband Phil, is one heck of a great bartender. Knowing that he would have that special touch for making the Ginger Martini, I asked him if would be the mixologist for the evening and he graciously obliged. About half the guests indulged into this adult libation and experienced this down right delightful concoction.
Even if you are not a martini drinker, you might want to give this a try. You just might convert over. If you do love martinis, I hope this quickly becomes your next favorite cocktail.
Ginger Martini
1 ½ ounces vodka (Grey Goose)
½ ounce Ginger syrup
3 to 4 Mint leaves
½ Lime, cut into 4 small cubes
Add all of the above ingredients to a martini shaker with ½ cup crushed ice. Using a muddler, break down the mint and lime. Then shake the ingredients together and pour through the strainer portion of the shaker into a chilled glass.
Ginger Syrup
2 C. Water
2 C. Sugar
1 - 2 large ginger root, cut into one inch pieces
In a small saucepan add the water and sugar. Bring to boil while stirring a few times. Reduce to a simmer and add the ginger. Let cook for about one hour. When ready, strain and transfer to a glass container and allow to cool to room temperature.
I love martinis at holiday parties but have never had a ginger one before. This looks awesome!
ReplyDeleteI bet I would LOVE this cocktail - love ginger, mint, and lime. That's so nice you have an annual ornament exchange party. Hope you had fun!
ReplyDeleteI have never had a ginger martini! It sounds a soul drink to me.
ReplyDeleteWe are having friends over on Friday night, and this cocktail is just the thing we need to get the evening started off right.
ReplyDelete(Wish I had one now to sample)
We usually make a fun cocktail every Sunday evening and this will be Sunday's! Kate @ kateiscooking
ReplyDeleteNow that's my kind of drink! I love ginger (obviously :) ) but I've never had a ginger martini!! I must try out your recipe, thanks so much.
ReplyDeleteOh this sounds like trouble waiting to happen! We're having a Christmas party this weekend and this may just be the perfect cocktail to start the evening :)
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness! I love the flavor of ginger and can only imagine it in a martini. Beautiful photos:)
ReplyDeleteI'm such a cocktail dunce--I can never come up with any decent flavors. I love this, though. The ginger and the lime seem so perfect together in this. I bet it made your holiday party that much more festive. :-)
ReplyDeleteI really wish I had one of these at my desk right now! :D
ReplyDeleteOh I could so use one of these, and it's lunch time :)
ReplyDelete