Recipe: Gingertini

Total time: 7 minutes

Servings: 1

Note: From Literati II. Soft ginger candy (or sugared ginger) such as Ginger Chews are available at most Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, Gelson’s and Bristol Farms. To make a simple syrup, combine equal parts sugar and water and heat until the sugar dissolves. Simple syrup can be kept, covered and refrigerated, for several weeks. Flash-pasteurized apple cider, available at well-stocked supermarkets, can be substituted for fresh apple juice.

2 ounces vodka

10 to 12 slices peeled ginger (sliced crosswise about 1/8 -inch thick)

1 ounce fresh lemon juice

1 ounce simple syrup (or more to taste)

1/2 ounce fresh apple juice

1 soft ginger candy

In a cocktail shaker, combine the vodka and ginger. Using a muddler or the back of a spoon, mash the ginger well. Add the lemon juice, simple syrup and apple juice. Fill the cocktail shaker with ice, shake until well chilled, and strain into a martini glass. Garnish with ginger candy.

Each serving: 192 calories; 0 grams protein; 17 grams carbohydrates; 0 grams fiber; 0 grams fat; 0 grams saturated fat; 0 mg. cholesterol; 1 mg. sodium.