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Ginger Martini Recipe

4.6 from 56 reviews

A refreshing Ginger Martini combining the spicy sweetness of homemade ginger syrup with vodka and a hint of lime, perfect for a lively cocktail hour or an elegant evening drink.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Ginger Martini

  • Ice
  • 3 ounces vodka, any flavor
  • 1/2 to 1 ounce ginger syrup (see recipe below)
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly squeezed lime juice
  • Twist of lemon or lime, for garnish

For the Ginger Syrup

  • 1 lemon
  • 2 cups coarsely chopped fresh ginger with peel (about 8 ounces)
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 cups water

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ginger Syrup: Slice the lemon into thin rounds or halves to release flavor. In a medium saucepan, combine the coarsely chopped ginger, lemon slices, sugar, and water. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat and simmer gently for about 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to infuse and the syrup to thicken slightly.
  2. Strain the Syrup: After simmering, remove the saucepan from the heat and let it cool slightly. Strain the syrup through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a clean container, pressing gently on the ginger and lemon to extract maximum flavor. Discard solids and refrigerate the syrup until chilled.
  3. Chill the Glass: Optionally, place your martini glass into the freezer for about 10 minutes to chill it before serving.
  4. Muddle the Lime Juice: Squeeze 1/2 teaspoon of fresh lime juice directly into a cocktail shaker filled with ice. This adds brightness and balances the sweetness of the syrup.
  5. Mix the Cocktail: Add 3 ounces of your chosen vodka and 1/2 to 1 ounce of the chilled ginger syrup into the shaker with the lime juice and ice. The amount of syrup can be adjusted based on your desired sweetness and ginger intensity.
  6. Shake Well: Secure the shaker lid and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds until the outside of the shaker feels cold, ensuring that the ingredients are well mixed and chilled.
  7. Strain into Glass: Remove the martini glass from the freezer (if chilled), and strain the cocktail mixture into it, leaving the ice behind in the shaker.
  8. Garnish and Serve: Finish with a twist of lemon or lime by peeling a thin strip of citrus peel and expressing its oils over the drink before dropping it into the glass to garnish. Serve immediately and enjoy the bright, zesty flavors of the Ginger Martini.

Notes

  • Adjust the amount of ginger syrup to taste for sweetness and spice.
  • Homemade ginger syrup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
  • Use fresh lime juice for the best flavor; bottled lime juice will alter the taste.
  • For a spicier kick, let the ginger steep longer or add more ginger to the syrup.
  • You can substitute lemon twist with a lime twist based on your preference.

Keywords: Ginger Martini, Ginger Cocktail, Vodka Cocktail, Ginger Syrup, Homemade Syrup, Citrus Cocktail