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.