Pineapple Ginger Martinis

Refreshing, fruity and zippy from the ginger!

This is the first in what we plan will be a weekly tradition to kick-start the weekend. Each weekend, a new cocktail recipe. I am soooo looking forward to this. 

The beauty of this recipe is the homemade ginger syrup! As Ferris Bueller would say --- there is no substitute. We used Little Black Dress Pineapple Vodka, but you can use any flavored or infused vodka that pairs well with ginger (pear would be divine, I'm sure). 

With the leftover ginger syrup, you can make your own ginger ale by adding it to club soda! See? It's a win-win for everyone. Now, roll up your sleeves and make that syrup!!


4 servings

Ginger Simple Syrup:


1 cup water
1 cup sugar
1 4-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and diced into 1/4-inch pieces

For the syrup: In a small saucepan, combine the water, sugar, and ginger over medium heat. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved. Remove the pan from the heat and allow the mixture to cool, about 20 minutes. Cover the pan and refrigerate for 4 hours.

Select a few of the best ginger slices to make a candied ginger garnish. Blot off syrup, toss in sugar and let dry. 


Ice
1 cup pineapple-flavored vodka
1/2 cup sparkling water, chilled
1 cup ginger syrup
Garnish: candied ginger & pineapple slices

Chill 4 martini glasses in the freezer. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add the vodka, ginger syrup, and sparkling water. Shake for 10 seconds and strain the mixture into the prepared glasses. Garnish with candied ginger and pineapple slice and serve.

Adapted from Giada's Ginger Lemon and Lime Martini

After one of these, you'll forget the stress of the work week. I'm not going to lie....after two, we're pretty much sideways ;-)