Cranberry Jalapeno Martini

By draingal

Ingredients

• 1 cup turbinado (washed raw) sugar
• 1 1/2 cups cranberry juice, divided
• 1/2 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
• 1/2 teaspoon chopped seeded jalapeno pepper
• Ice cubes
• 6 cups vodka
• Fresh mint leaves and additional cranberries

Details

Servings 16
Preparation time 30mins
Cooking time 30mins
Adapted from tasteofhome.com

Preparation

Step 1

In a large saucepan, combine the sugar, 1/2 cup cranberry juice, cranberries and jalapeno. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 3 minutes or until sugar is dissolved. Remove from the heat. Cover and let stand for 20 minutes.

Strain, discarding cranberries and jalapeno. Cover and refrigerate syrup for at least 2 hours or until chilled.

For each serving, fill a mixing glass or tumbler three-fourths full with ice. Add 3 ounces vodka, 1 tablespoon cranberry juice and 1 tablespoon cranberry syrup; stir until condensation forms on outside of glass. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Repeat. Garnish with mint and cranberries if desired.
Yield: 16 servings.

Tip: Wear disposable gloves when cutting hot peppers; the oils can burn skin. Avoid touching your face.