Muddled Raspberry Pomegranate Martini – Recipe!

If there’s one thing I enjoy, it’s a delightful cocktail that feeds a summertime mood; like this Muddled Raspberry Pomegranate Martini.

Naturally sweet notes from fresh raspberries and a splash of pomegranate juice, pressed with the back of a wooden spoon with just a few basil leaves, creates such a delicious drink.  Shaken, not stirred with your favorite vodka and lots of ice, then strained into glasses until a ruby waterfall appears, and then topped with a skewer of berries and basil flowers.

Nothing more gorgeous or tasty when the sun is setting and the heat begins to disappear.  I like to chill the glasses ahead of time, so everything stays extra cold during summertime.  Enjoy!

Ingredients

1/2 cup fresh raspberries

1/3 cup pomegranate juice

6 ounces vodka

4 basil leaves + 2 sprigs basil flowers (optional)

2 teaspoons honey

1 cup ice

4 drops orange bitters

(Makes 2 Cocktails)

To Prepare:

1. In a martini shaker, add raspberries, pomegranate juice, vodka and basil leaves.
2. Muddle with dowel or back or spoon for 2 minutes, until fruit is crushed and combined with other ingredients.  Add honey and stir.
3. Add 1 cup ice and place top on martini shaker.  Shake, shake, shake until cold and frothy, about 1 minute.
4. Strain into two glasses and top with two shakes of bitters and basil flowers.  Enjoy!