Cranberry Martinis

On Saturday night, after a crazy week of running around, all my husband and I wanted to do was to cook dinner together and enjoy a few cocktails.  So, in the spirit of Vanentine’s Day, I decided to try out this recipe for cranberry martinis.  They were so easy to make (just a few simple steps) with items we already had on hand.  I should warn you, these go down pretty smoothly so sip slowly and pace yourself.  Here’s the recipe:

• 1 lime wedge
• Red sanding sugar (you can dye regular sugar with a few drops of food coloring too)
• 8 ounces vodka (I like Grey Goose or Stoli)
• 1 ounce cranberry juice
• 1 teaspoon vermouth (optional)
• Skewered fresh cranberries (or you can add frozen cranberries into your drink for added flavor)

Rub the rims of 2 martini glasses with a lime wedge, and then dip each rim into a saucer of red sanding sugar, rotating gently to evenly coat. Chill in freezer at least 10 minutes. In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, shake vodka, cranberry juice, and vermouth until chilled, about 20 seconds. Strain into chilled glasses, and garnish with skewered fresh cranberries.