Apple Thyme Martinis

Photo from foodnetwork.com

To start off the evening I made a pitcher of Apple Thyme Martinis. These were easy to make and a really fun way to start the evening. I would consider adjusting the proportions to add more apple juice or even apple cider to give it a little more of an apple kick. The addition of the thyme syrup adds an interesting hint to the drink.


Apple Thyme Martinis
Source: Giada's Kitchen, New Italian Favorites by Giada de Laurentis

Ice
10 ounces vodka
6 ounces apple juice
1/4 cup thyme syrup, recipe follows
1 large apple, peeled
4 fresh thyme sprigs

Special equipment: melon baller

Chill the martini glasses.

Fill the shaker with ice. Combine the vodka, apple juice, and thyme syrup in a martini shaker. Shake for about 10 seconds. Divide between the 4 chilled martini glasses.

Use the melon baller to scoop out small balls of apple. Place 3 balls of apple and 1 sprig of thyme in each glass for garnish. Serve immediately.

Thyme Simple Syrup:
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup water
5 large sprigs fresh thyme

In a saucepan combine sugar, water, and thyme over medium heat. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer until the sugar has dissolved, about 5 minutes. Take the pan off the heat and cool the syrup. Any extra cooled syrup can be saved in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Yield: 1 cup
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes