sybarites

On Sunday, it rained.   Ergo:  ginger-lemongrass martinis with candied kumquats.

Syrup Ingredients
Makes 1.5 cups

• 2/3 cup sugar
• 1 cup water
• 1 lemongrass stalk
• 1 inch piece of ginger peeled, sliced and smashed
• 4 kumquats sliced and seeded (optional)

Martini Ingredients
Makes 2

• 6 ice cubes
• 4 ounces vodka
• 2 ounces lemongrass-ginger syrup (or to taste)

Instructions
Cut and reserve a few lemongrass slivers to use as toothpicks later. Slice the remaining lemongrass.

Place the sliced lemongrass, ginger, sugar, water and kumquat slices in a small sauce pan and bring to a boil. Simmer for 5 minutes. Strain into a bowl and reserve the kumquat slices if used. Discard the lemongrass and ginger. Cool the syrup.

To make the martinis, place ice, syrup and vodka in a martini shaker and shake for 15 seconds. Pour into two glasses, discarding the ice. To make the garnish, pierce the kumquats with a toothpick or skewer to form a hole for the lemongrass. Place two kumquat slices on lemongrass toothpick and add to the glass.

Alternate: If kumquats aren’t available, try boiling sliced oranges or mandarins with the syrup, then float them in the martini glass.