White Cranberry Martini, a Winter Wonderland Cocktail

Oh, are you going to love, love, love this cocktail! I mean, just look at it. Doesn’t it make you think of the holidays? Seriously, I can hear Bing Crosby crooning “White Christmas” in my head right now. Love it!

Yes, I am gushing.  These White Cranberry Martinis are that good. They make me want to buy a ridiculously sparkly dress and throw a cocktail party so I can make pitchers of the stuff.

So what makes this winter wonderland cocktail different from everyone else’s? My addition of rosemary in the form of an infused simple syrup. Yes,  I put a little Christmas tree action into these beauties! (I so want one of those little rosemary shrubs they prune into Christmas tree shapes!). Please do not panic, though. I know what you’re thinking. “Ugh, gin!”, right?  And you’re thinking of what turns most people off from gin:  the juniper. We are not getting that kind of evergreen flavor here in these White Cranberry Martinis. Juniper is much more resinous and medicinal than rosemary. With the rosemary, the resin notes are milder, plus you get a little spice. Trust me, you’re not going to feel like you’re drinking a pine tree with this cocktail.

So what does it taste like? Very fresh. White cranberries are sweeter and less tart than your typical cranberries, so the juice has a lighter body.  Adding the lime brings back a little tartness, and both the lime and rosemary bring clean, fresh notes into the mix.

When I was drinking this cocktail,  it reminded me of a mild winter day where the cold isn’t horribly unbearable and the smell of firewood is in the air. You know, those days that make you feel all warm and toasty even if Jack Frost may be nipping at your nose.

Told you it was good.

Salud!

Winter Wonderland White Cranberry Martini

White Cranberry Martini Ingredients

• 2 ounces vodka*
• 1 ounce White Cranberry Juice
• juice of 1 lime
• 1/2 ounce Rosemary simple syrup
• fresh or frozen cranberries for garnish
• ice cubes

Rosemary Simple Syrup

makes about a 1/2 cup of simple syrup

• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, crushed to release essential oils

Rosemary Simple Syrup Directions

1. For the simple syrup, combine sugar and water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring until sugar is completely dissolved.
2. Add fresh rosemary and simmer for one minute.
3. Remove saucepan from heat and let the syrup stand for at least half an hour.
4. Remove rosemary from the syrup and pour into an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator until ready to use.

Making you Winter Wonderland Cocktail

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with  ice cubes and add all of the ingredients.
2. Secure the cover of the cocktail shaker and shake vigorously.
3. Strain into your favorite cocktail glass and garnish with the bright red cranberries.

*Experiment with the vodka if you like. Cranberry vodka will bring more tartness. Whipped cream vodka may create a sweeter cocktail. Vanilla vodka may enhance the rosemary.