CRANBERRY MARTINI 

Christmas is almost here. This is an easy recipe with an unexpected sensational flavor, strictly for those who love the finer, more understated pleasure in life. If you’re after something bold and sweet like Cosmopolitan, then look away because the cranberry martini is smooth, subtle and guaranteed to make your Christmas party sizzle. Infuse the vodka with the orange zest and cranberries at least 2 days ahead. I like to use a vegetable peeler to make strips of orange zest—it's so easy. Best of all you can prepare the entire cocktail mixture and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Just shake with ice before serving.

Level: Easy

Preparation time: 2days

Ingredients:

• ½ Cup Sugar
• Zest of ½ orange, plus extra for garnish
• 1750 ml good vodka
• 2 cups cranberry juice
• 1/4 cup Triple Sec or juice of 1 orange
• Ice
• Few Fresh Cranberries for garnishing (optional)

Instructions:

Several Day Before: Place the sugar, cranberry juice, and orange zest in a small saucepan. Bring it to a boil, until the sugar dissolve. Pour the vodka into a large pitcher and add the cranberry mixture and store covered in refrigerator for at least 2 days

When read to serve, strain the vodka mixture and add Triple Sec or Orange juice for more tartness. Fill the cocktail shaker with ice and the drink mixture, shake for full 30 seconds. (It’s longer than you think) and strain into a martini glass. Rub the rim of each glass with fresh orange zest, spoon few cranberries into each glass and serve ice cold.