Continuing with the cranberry theme….this cocktail was actually mixed the same night as the Cranberry Gimlet from day 6.  I am also realizing that I am on day 7 and it’s December 15th as I write this, which makes it highly unlikely that I’m going to knock out all 12 before now and Christmas Day.  If you just rolled your eyes at me…stop it.  We know that I could knock it out.  But, I’m not going to.  It’s likely that this little adventure will wrap up around New Year’s.  And then I’ll figure out where to go from there.

Does anyone else have a cat who thinks the doors in your home are revolving?  Colby Jack does.  As I write this I’m laying on the floor in the living room.  Gas fireplace is on directly in front of me, warming my nose nicely.  Christmas tree is to my left, as are the front windows.  Twenty minutes ago I noticed the cat sitting on the ledge outside the window (his very favorite place in the world).  He was staring at me meowing (which I can’t hear when I’m inside, I only see the mouth opening and closing…which I find too funny and never gets old), so I let him in.  Ten minutes ago I looked up to see this:

For real.  Cat.  And then he couldn’t decide if he wanted in or not.  He’s currently in.  Until he slips back out the garage door and, again, parks himself on the ledge where he can stare at me until I feel his eyes boring into the side of my head.  Then we’ll do it all over again because I’m a schmoe and always let him in when he asks.

So, after the Cranberry Gimlet I announced to the husband that I was going to mix a Cranberry Orange Martini, also with gin.  I could have mixed one for him with vodka, but he passes.  This recipe resembles the gimlet, but is slightly different.  And, all drinks taste different when presented in a different shaped glass, right?  So, even though the flavors were somewhat familiar they weren’t because it was served in a martini glass.  Just go with me on this.

Liquor.com touts this as a Thanksgiving beverage.  Okay.  I’d do that.  But, it also makes a delightful Christmas sipper whilst watching Scrooged with Bill Murray.  Another Christmas classic down, we’re ramping up for A Christmas Story and my all-time favorite, Christmas Vacation.

Cranberry Orange Martini

Simple syrup:
Combine 1/2 c sugar and 1/2 c water in a small saucepan.  Bring to a boil over high heat.  Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.  Remove from burner, allow to cool.

The martini (makes one):
1 1/2 oz gin
3/4 oz Cointreau (or your chosen knock-off brand)
1 oz unsweetened cranberry juice (because I’d just opened the bottle for the gimlet)
Simple syrup (I don’t know how much I added, so just do it to taste)
2-3 dashes Angostura bitters
Orange peel for garnish

Add all of the above (except the orange peel) to a cocktail shaker with ice.  Shake violently.  Run the orange peel along the rim of the cocktail glass, then drop it in or hang it on the edge.  Pour chilled martini into glass.  Delicious!