Cranberry Limoncello Martini Recipes

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.

Steps:

• Several days ahead, place the sugar, cranberries, 6 strips of orange zest, and 1 cup of water in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, lower the heat, and simmer for 5 minutes, until the cranberries start to pop open. Pour the vodka into a large pitcher, add the cranberry mixture, and store covered in the refrigerator for at least 2 days and up to 5 days.
• When ready to serve, strain the vodka mixture, reserving the cranberries and discarding the orange zest. Stir in the cranberry juice cocktail and Triple Sec. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice, add the drink mixture, shake for a full 30 seconds (it's longer than you think!), and strain into martini glasses. Rub the rim of each glass with fresh orange zest, spoon a few cranberries into each glass, and serve ice cold.