(Promise you’ll keep it to one, okay? Two did me in… I finally feel human again after an Aleve, a latte, and a shower.)

A few months ago, I had an incredible ginger cocktail at Piedmont in downtown Durham. I also had a variation at 115 Midtowne in September as well. And since I like the occasional martini at home, I set out to find the ingredients to make my own. After a few test runs, I finally discovered the right combination of spicy and sweet.

Leandra’s Ginger Martini

1.5 oz Grey Goose vodka
1.5 oz ginger ale soda
1/2 Tbsp ginger juice
1 tsp granulated sugar

Combine the ginger juice and sugar and stir to make a paste. Combine vodka, ginger ale, and ginger mixture into a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake lightly and strain into a chilled martini glass.