CRANBERRY-LIMONCELLO MARTINI

Cranberry-Limoncello Martini image

Provided by Chicagoland Chef du

Time 45m

Yield 1 martini syrup base, 12-15 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

12 ounces cranberries, fresh, can use frozen
2 cups granulated sugar
2 cups water
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
1/4 cup limoncello (Italian lemon liqueur)
2 dashes bitters
vodka, citrus flavored
lime slice
ice
1 cup pomegranate juice, for thinning (optional)

Steps:

Cranberry Syrup Base.
Combine the cranberries, sugar and water in a small saucepan and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes. Cool.
When cool, place mixture in a blender and blend for 2 minutes.
Strain through a fine mesh strainer to remove all of the seeds and skin pieces.
Add the remaining ingredients: lemon juice, lime juice, 2 dashes bitters, Limoncello liquor and the cranberry base is complete. Makes approximately 5 cups.
Chill completely until ready to use.
For each Cranberry-Limoncello Martini.
In a shaker filled half way with ice cubes:.
Add 2 - 2 1/2 ounces cranberry syrup base. NOTE: may use less per glass as it is a bit thick w/ this amount. I have been experimenting and think 2 oz may be best for starters. Start w/ less and add more if desired or add some pomegranate juice to each cocktail.
Next, add 1 1/2 ounces citrus flavored vodka.
Shake 50-100 times and pour into martini glass. If you shake 100x, you will get little crystals of ice in your pour.
Pour into martini glass. Garnish with a lime slice. YUM!
PITCHER: Measure 2 cups vodka, entire recipe of base> approx 5 cups of base. To thin add 1 cup pomegranate juice. Stir. Add to shaker full of ice and pour into individual martini glasses.