Every couple of months we feature a seasonal cocktail here at the Hartstone Inn and in the restaurant. This winter, I was experimenting with a ginger syrup and combined it with some pomegranate juice to create this recipe, which yields 3 martinis (2 if you drink out of large martini glasses as I do!).

Ginger-Pomegranate Martini

4 oz ginger syrup (recipe below)

5 oz vodka

1 oz pomegranate syrup (Monin is a good brand)

1 oz lime juice

2 oz club soda, cold

1.  Place all of the ingredients except for the club soda in a cocktail shaker with 6 large ice cubes, cover and shake 10 times.

2.  Strain into a martini glass and divide the club soda between the glasses. Garnish with a few fresh pomegranate seeds, a slice of fresh ginger root and/or a wedge of lime on the rim.

Ginger Syrup

2 cups granulated sugar

2 cups water

1/4 cup grated fresh ginger root

1.  Combine sugar and water in a small saucepan and bring to a boil over high heat. Stir to dissolve the sugar and simmer for 5 minutes.   

2.  Add the grated ginger and allow the mixture to steep for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, placing it in the refrigerator when it has cooled.

3.  When cool, strain the syrup through a fine mesh strainer to remove all of grated ginger.