Cranberry Martini

I read somewhere once that everyone should have one good cocktail that they are an expert at making.

I thought this one would be perfect for New Year’s Eve.  The cranberry juice gives it that wintery vibe but the fact that it’s a martini adds a special festiveness that New Year’s is all about.

 A little hint, the key to being a good bartender is having the right tools.  There’s all sorts of bar kits out there, but I find myself always coming back to two things:

One- A jigger/pony.  It's that weird, slightly off hourglass shaped measuring device.  The larger side is 1 ½ fluid ounces and is known as a jigger.  The smaller side is a pony and is 1 fluid ounce.

And two - A cocktail shaker

 Now go get all Tom Cruise-y in Cocktails and start mixing up your own concoctions.

Adapted from this recipe

What You’ll Need:

• 1 jigger Vodka
• 1 jigger Triple Sec
• 3 jiggers Cranberry Juice (I used 100%, no sugar added. Using Cranberry Juice Cocktail will make this a sweeter drink)
• Optional- Sugar to rim glasses

What To Do:

Prepare martini glass by dipping the rim in a shallow plate filled with water then a shallow plate filled with sugar.  In a cocktail shaker with ice, add vodka, triple sec, and cranberry juice and shake to mix.  Pour into glass and enjoy.  Makes 1 martini