Ginger Martini

One batch is 7 oz | Makes 3-4 cocktails

This martini has become a regular feature of our Thanksgiving table and holiday get togethers.  It has a wonderful ginger kick moderated by the sweetness of pineapple juice (of all things).  Ginger is full of antioxidants, high in potassium, and a fabulous warming, immune booster – so this is a health cocktail, really - and a perfect aperitif after you’ve fought the coughing and sneezing masses at the mall.

This recipe came about when Carol was listening to the NPR three years ago while they were having a ginger recipe contest.  I guess the host was a ginger fan, and had invited the listeners to submit all kinds of recipes featuring this pungent rhizome.  The NPR staff then made some of these recipes for said host to sample, and none of them hit the ginger mark for her like this martini, submitted by a bartender from Mizu in Chicago.

Carol promptly tracked down the recipe, but then came the brainstorming as to how one comes up with this quantity of fresh ginger juice – assuming that we wouldn’t be able to stop at just one.  If you have a juicer at home you could use that, or for a workout you can squeeze chopped ginger through a garlic press.  The other option is to track down a juicing establishment, such as Booster Juice, and get the fresh stuff from them.  Any extra can then be frozen in ice cube trays for the next time you need a ginger kick for marinades, sauces, or of course… martinis!

Fill a large martini shaker a third full with ice and shake to crush. 

Then add

• 3 oz vodka (a great place for local spirits!)
• 1 oz triple sec
• 1 oz fresh-squeezed ginger juice
• 1 oz pineapple juice
• 1 oz Rose’s lime juice

Shake again to combine.  Strain into glasses and sip away!

Cheers!