Got ginger? If you love the spicy flavor of the fresh root, try this Ginger Cocktail! It’s a refreshing spin on the vodka martini featuring, ginger, lemon juice and dry vermouth. Each sip has just the right balance of sweet and tangy, with a spicy finish. Alex and I made this drink to use up a large ginger root that was lurking in our refrigerator. After making ginger tea, we wondered how it would taste in a cocktail. Turns out, the bold flavor of ginger is a unique way to spice up your cocktail repertoire!
What’s in this ginger cocktail?
This ginger cocktail is a spin on the flavored vodka martini: which is really just a martini in name only! There’s a whole family of vodka martinis that bear no resemblance to the classic cocktail at all. This ginger martini is one in a long line of vodka drinks, like the espresso martini, watermelon martini, pomegranate martini, and more. Here’s what you’ll need to make this ginger cocktail:
Ginger simple syrup: our special recipe!VodkaLemon juiceDry vermouth
How to make ginger simple syrup…using our special method
Promise us one thing: you must make this ginger cocktail using our recipe for ginger simple syrup. Here’s why: most simple syrups are made by infusing an herb in the warm syrup. This works great for soft herbs like mint and rosemary. But ginger root is a bit tougher, so it’s harder to extract the flavor. The ginger syrup we made the standard way didn’t infuse ginger flavor into cocktails. So we realized we had to try a new way: using a blender! Here’s what to know (or to go Ginger Simple Syrup):
Wash and slice the ginger root. No need to peel it! Add the ginger to a blender with sugar and boiling water. It’s easy to boil water using a teapot, but use any method you like.Blend, then strain! Blend it for several minutes until smooth, then strain through a fine mesh strainer. This gets a creamy looking ginger syrup with a very spicy ginger flavor! Taste it from the blender and it tastes overly spicy, but it’s perfect when you use it in a drink…trust us.
How to make this ginger cocktail
The only part about this ginger cocktail that takes some time is the ginger syrup. Other than that, it’s a breeze to whip up! Here’s all you need to know about making a ginger martini:
Make the ginger syrup. See above!Shake in a cocktail shaker. Place the ginger simple syrup, vodka, lemon juice and dry vermouth in a cocktail shaker, add ice, and shake (Don’t have one? Use a mason jar!)Strain into a glass and garnish. Strain into a martini glass. If you’d like, garnish with a lemon slice or crystalized ginger.
More vodka martini recipes
Flavored martinis are a modern invention: built on the vodka martini. Most of them drop the vermouth…so they’re hardly a Classic Martini at all! Here are some of our favorite flavored martini recipes:
Lemon Drop Martini or Limoncello Martini Zingy and full of citrus brightness.Espresso Martini or Coffee Martini A modern classic made with coffee, Kahlua, and vodka! Cucumber Martini A crisp, cool take with the refreshing scent of this hydrating vegetable.Key Lime Martini Fruity and fun, with a graham cracker crust rim! And Licor 43.Pomegranate Martini This jewel-toned drink is sweet tart and light: the perfect fruity variation.Watermelon Martini Tastes like summer! Easy to make and full of refreshing sweet flavor.French Martini Perfectly balanced with vodka, pineapple juice, and raspberry liqueur.Raspberry Martini Bright red and full of berry flavor!Chocolate Martini Rich, creamy and oh so decadent.
When to serve this ginger cocktail
This Ginger Martini works before dinner, after dinner, or anytime in between. Serve it as a:
Happy hour drinkAfternoon cocktailLate night drinks drinkGirls or guys night drinkCocktail hour drink
More ginger recipes
There are so many ways to use ginger root! Pick from some of our favorite ginger recipes: 5 from 2 reviews
Ginger Tea This soothing and invigorating drink has big flavor and potential health benefits, too.Ginger Lime Hummus Features fresh flavors and is the perfect vegan snack!Fried Rice with Ginger Here’s how to make the very best fried rice: takeout style! Egg, veggies, garlic and ginger bring aromatic flavor to this homemade comfort food.
