We. Love. Martinis. They come in a multitude of flavors and lend themselves to fun spin-off names like the Quarantini {we’re looking at you, 2020}. Now, although to-go cocktails are a thing in NJ, that doesn’t mean that we all still can’t play bartender at home {and save a buck, too}. In honor of National Martini Day {which falls on June 19th}, we spoke with certified health coach + author of Clean Cocktails: Righteous Recipes for the Modern Mixologist, Tara Roscioli {of Highway 2 Well}, who’s whipped up some healthy and indulgent recipes to try today.
Tara’s Journey to Clean Cocktails
As a Certified Health Coach who employs an evidence-based and holistic approach to nutrition and weight loss, Tara teaches her clients how to achieve their optimal weight by managing their fiber and net carbohydrate intake. However, a substantial part of her job is taking into consideration each client’s lifestyle as a whole, ensuring that their customized programs allow for the things they enjoy most…like cocktails.
In fact, the idea for writing the book “Clean Cocktails: Righteous Recipes for the Modern Mixologist” was born out of her experience counseling clients for weight loss. Tara and her co-author Beth Nydickwere constantly asked what alcoholic beverages clients could enjoy without gaining weight or waking up with a massive hangover. The duo came up with some healthier options for the calorie bombs served up at most bars.
Martinis 101
Traditionally, martinis areprepared with either vodka or gin. Over the years, mixologists have gotten creative and now you can find savory or sweet martinis created with tequila and bourbon, as well. We all have different preferences, so below Tara included martini options with a variety of spirits.
Below are five martini recipes for you to enjoy on your own or with friends {three of which can be found in Clean Cocktails and the other two Tara created just for you}.
The Spiced SuBourbon
Serving Size: 1
Ingredients:
- – ¼ Cup fresh-squeezed clementine juice {tangerine and orange taste great, too}
- – 1 oz bourbon {Tara’s partial to Bullet}
- – 2-3 whole cloves
- – Ice
See More: Where to Order Fancy Dinner Delivery in Hoboken + Jersey City
Directions:
Fill a martini glass with ice. Combine clementine juice, bourbon, and two cloves in a cocktail shaker. Add ice and shake for 10 seconds or until the shaker turns cold.
Dump ice from the martini glass and strain the contents of the shaker into the martini glass. Garnish with the remaining clove and some clementine peel, if desired.
The Big Chill
Serving Size: 1
Martini Ingredients:
- – 1 Tablespoon chili powder
- – 2 lime wedges
- – 2 ounces silver tequila {Tara loves love Cos Amigos or Patron}
- – ¾ oz fresh-squeezed lime juice
- – ¾ oz ginger syrup
- – ¼ tsp ginger juice
- – Ice
Ginger Syrup Ingredients:
- – 1 cup peeled and sliced fresh ginger
- – 2 thick lemon slices
- – ¾ cup honey
- – 1 ½ cups of filtered water
Directions:
Rim a small martini glass with a slice of lime, and dip the rim of the glass into chili powder. Set it aside.
To prepare your ginger syrup, combine the fresh ginger, lemon, honey, and water into a saucepan over medium-high heat, stirring until the honey is dissolved. Then bring the liquid to a boil. Remove from heat and set aside to cool and steep. Once, completely cooled, strain and discard ginger and lemon slices.
To prepare your cocktail, combine the tequila, lime juice, Ginger Syrup, and ginger juice in a cocktail shaker. Add ice and shake for 10 seconds or until the shaker turns cold.
Strain contents into your prepared martini glass and garnish with a thin slice of lime.
The Lusty Martini
Serving Size: 1
Ingredients:
- – 3-4 tablespoons raw cacao powder
- – A pinch of sea salt
- – 2 orange wedges
- – 2 oz brewed coffee, cold
- – 1 oz light coconut milk
- – ½ oz pure maple syrup
- – ½ tsp vanilla extract
- – Ice
Directions:
Combine cacao powder and salt on a plate. Rim the martini glass with an orange wedge and dip the rim of the glass into cacao/salt mixture. Set it aside.
Combine coffee, vodka, coconut milk, maple syrup, and vanilla extra in a cocktail shaker. Add ice and shake for 10 seconds or until the shaker is cold and the cocktail is frothy.
Strain the contents into your prepared martini glass, and garnish with a few floating coffee beans and/or a remaining orange wedge.
The Grapefruit Gin Martini
Serving Size: 1
Ingredients:
- – 1 oz fresh-squeezed ruby red grapefruit juice
- – 2 oz gin
- – 3 dashed citrus bitters
- – Ice
Directions:
Fill a martini glass with ice. Combine the grapefruit juice, gin, and citrus bitters in a cocktail shaker. Add ice and shake for 10 seconds or until the shaker turns cold.
Dump ice from the martini glass. Strain the contents of the shaker into the martini glass. Garnish with a grapefruit slice or peel.
The Sour Puss Martini
Serving Size: 1
Ingredients:
- – 3/4 oz fresh-squeezed lemon juice
- – 1/2 oz POM juice
- – 4 oz vodka {Tara likes Grey Goose for martinis}
- – Ice
See More: Olivia’s: A New Dining + Cocktails Spot Coming to Hoboken
Directions:
Fill a martini glass with ice. Combine lemon juice, pom juice, and vodka in a cocktail shaker. Add ice and shake for 10 seconds or until the shaker turns cold.
Dump ice from the martini glass. Strain the contents of the shaker into the martini glass. Garnish with a lemon wheel and a sprig of thyme.
When consumed responsibly, Tara believes the occasional cocktail prepared with low sugar spirits, fresh fruit juices, fresh herbs, and gentle sweeteners can play a role in a happy, healthy, and balanced lifestyle. Cheers!
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