Honey Grapefruit Martini

I’m trying something new.  I usually stick to whiskey when making mixed drinks- but I today I’m experimenting with vodka.

‘Tis the season for citrus fruits, so I’m using fresh grapefruit and tangerine juice.  This is a refreshing and lively cocktail that can take you from winter to spring.  Since grapefruit is often tart- I’ve balanced it with the sweetness of the honey simple syrup and a kick of vibrance from the tangerine juice.

I love the peachy-orange-sunset color of this drink.  I totally image sipping on this while lounging on a beach chair watching the sun set into the ocean.

Honey Grapefruit Martini, serves 1

Ingredients

2 oz vodka

1/2 oz Grand Mariner liqueur

1 1/2 Tbsp honey simple syrup (recipe follows)

3 oz fresh grapefruit juice

1 oz fresh tangerine juice

ice, as needed

grapefruit peel, for garnish

honey simple syrup:

1/4 cup water

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1/4 cup honey

Instructions

1. Pour 2 oz vodka and 1/2 oz Grand Marnier into shaker cup.

To make honey simple syrup: In a small sauce pot, add water and sugar.  Cook over medium heat until sugar has dissolved.  Stir in honey.  Remove from heat.  Allow to cool to room temperature before using.

2. Add 1 1/2 Tbsp of honey sugar syrup. Follow with 3 oz of fresh grapefruit juice and 1 oz fresh tangerine juice.

3.  Add ice cubes to shaker cup.  Cover shaker and shake to chill drink.  Use cocktail strainer to pour ice-cold cocktail into martini glass.  Garnish with grapefruit peel and basil leaf, if desired.

CHEERS!