The Grapefruit Martini

This oh so perfect cocktail with an addicting sharp grapefruit bite, the Grapefruit Martini, was inspired by the Grapefruit Gimlet served at Lola in Cleveland, Ohio.  Made with grapefruit, lime and ginger infused Ciroc Vodka; it is the perfect blend of tart, sweet, mellow goodness.   Not too girly, this concoction is the perfect cocktail to serve at your next party or gathering. 

Infusing vodka is incredibly easy to do.  We made our infused vodka by taking a bottle of Ciroc Vodka and pouring it into a glass jar with a tight fitting lid.  We added the rind from one grapefruit and the rind from one lime.  We also added a sliced piece of ginger (about the size of your thumb) to the mix.  We let this sit for about 3 days.  The smell of this infused vodka is divine – citrusy and sweet.  I am sure you could use it in a number of different cocktail applications.

If you are pressed for time you could skip the infusion aspect of this recipe and simple buy a bottle of Absolut Ruby Red.  We decided to sample both versions  of this cocktail – one with our infused Ciroc Vodka, the other with Absolut Ruby Red.  The infused Ciroc Vodka produced a much more smooth drink than the Absolut Ruby Red version.  We aren’t too picky though… we would be happy sipping either version.

Grapefruit Martini

Ingredients:

• 1.5 parts grapefruit infused vodka
• 2 parts grapefruit juice
• Squeeze of lime
• Garnish – the grapefruit rind you used in your infusion

Shake vodka and grapefruit juice in a martini shaker and pour into a cold martini glass. Squeeze a bit of lime and garnish with a piece of grapefruit rind. Enjoy!

Cooking Out Florida Keys Style.

I apologize for the lack of posts in the recent week.  I have good reason – vacation.  We just returned back from the Florida Keys – Hawks Cay on Duck Key to be exact.  So very nice!

It was a week full of sun, good food, massages, facials, fishing, kayaking and friends.  So you can understand the lack of posts.

We spent most of our time with Drew and Jen, our two friends that live there – how lucky are they?  Drew was nice enough to take us out fishing – which you can imagine is hard work since we both are pretty much useless when it comes to fishing.  

Fishing in the Florida Keys

Drew also took us on a two hour eco-tour on kayak.   Overall, kayaking was fun – and great exercise!  We explored - seeing a good amount of wildlife.  Unfortunetely, we had a loss - Joe’s wedding band.  The ocean floor must be littered with lost wedding bands.

After the day of kayaking we were starving, so it was back to Drew’s for a cook out – Key’s Style as I like to say.  Margaritas, guacamole, split lobster tails with chili lime butter, grilled steaks, grilled corn and more margaritas. 

Grilled Corn and Lobster Tails with Chili Lime Butter

Jen makes a mean margarita!  So good in fact that I had to “borrow” the recipe.  The recipe contains beer, which at first I thought was odd - but trust me, it really is good.  The beer seems to mellow out the tartness of the limeade which makes for smooth drinking.   Oh yeah, and I should  probably mention that these are pretty strong.  As my husband says, “these will get you where your going”… you have been warned.  Make these on the next sunny day for an instant vacation.

Jen's Margaritas

Jen’s Margaritas

What You’ll Need:

• 1 can or bottle of light beer
• 1 can frozen limeade
• 7 ounces tequila
• 2 ounces orange liquor (Gran Marnier or Triple Sec)

Directions:

1.) Blend and serve over ice.

2.) Drink

3.) Repeat

The Perfect Mojito - It's Classic

Joe and I are headed to the Florida Keys on Saturday for some much needed R&R.  This has me thinking of the hot sand, fresh seafood and fruity cocktails.  This brings me to the perfect summer cocktail – the Mojito.  Say it with me now – “moe-hee-toe”.   It just sounds like summer, doesn’t it?

Traditionally made with just five ingredients – white rum, sugar cane juice, lime, carbonated water and mint – the Mojito has spawned many variations.  Some better than others…the best being the classic.

I’ve had my share of Mojitos – who hasn’t?  Mojitos on the beach, Mojitos from the local bar, Mojitos from my favorite restaurants, even Mojitos from chain restaurants -which I should add, are usually not “Mojitos”.   The best being the one that takes just a little too long to prepare.  “Hey, where’s my drink?”

Any Mojito fan knows that it takes time and good old fashioned elbow grease to properly muddle the lime, sugar syrup and mint. 

So what is muddling anyways?  Muddling is a somewhat gentle but thorough mashing or bruising of the mint with the sugar and lime at the bottom of a glass.  Muddling helps to release the juice and the essential oils in the mint.  The mint adds a nice cooling sensation on your tongue.  It really is a lovely combination – so refreshing.

So, start your weekend off right – here’s to the Classic Mojito!

The Classic Cuban Mojito

Glass: Highball
Garnish: Mint

• 1 ½ oz. Cuban Rum
• 1 oz. Lime Juice
• ½ oz. Sugar Syrup
• 8-10 Fresh Mint Leaves
• Top with Club Soda

Directions:

1.) Start by muddling the mint leaves, sugar syrup and lime in the base of your glass.  Not sure how to muddle?  Click here for a muddling demonstration. 

2.) Fill your glass with ice, add your rum, and then top off with club soda. Stir and enjoy.