Apple Ginger Martini Food

GINGER MARTINI

Steps:

• Fill a cocktail shaker or small pitcher with ice. Add the vodka, ginger syrup, and lime juice. Cover and shake vigorously, or stir, until combined and chilled, about 30 seconds. (In general, by the time the shaker mists up the drink is ready.) Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Add twist and serve.
• Remove the outer peel of the lemon with a vegetable peeler, taking care not to include too much of the bitter white pith. Finely chop the lemon peel and ginger in a food processor.
• Transfer the lemon-ginger mixture to a medium saucepan, add the sugar and water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer, partially covered, for 15 minutes. Strain the mixture and cool. Cover and refrigerate for up to 1 week.
• Yield: 2 cups

SPICED VIRGIN APPLE MARTINIS

Steps:

• In a small saucepan, combine the 1/2 cup of the sugar, 1/2 cup water, lemon juice, cinnamon sticks and candied ginger. Stir over medium heat until the sugar dissolves and the syrup comes to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Cool to room temperature. Strain and transfer to a small bowl. (Can be made 2 days in advance). Pour 1/4 cup of the cinnamon syrup into a large pitcher. Place the remaining syrup into a shallow bowl.
• Grind the gingersnaps and the remaining 1 tablespoon sugar in a mini processor to fine crumbs. (Alternatively, the cookies can be placed in a resealable plastic bag and crushed with a rolling pin or the bottom of a small saucepan.) Pour the crumbs into a second shallow bowl.
• Dip the rim of each martini glass into the cinnamon syrup. Dip the moistened rims into the cookie crumbs several times to coat.
• Stir the apple juice concentrate and sparkling apple cider into the pitcher. Pour into the prepared glasses and garnish with apple slices.

APPLE GINGER MARTINI

Steps:

• In bottom of cocktail shaker, muddle chopped apple and gingerroot with muddler or end of wooden spoon. Add vodka, liqueur, cranberry juice cocktail and lime juice.
• Fill cocktail shaker with ice; shake until blended. Pour into chilled martini glass, straining out apple, gingerroot and ice. Garnish with apple slice.