INGREDIENTS:

• One 1-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and thinly sliced
• ½ cup vodka
• ½ cup apple schnapps
• Splash of sweet vermouth
• Ice
• Apple slices for garnishing

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Infuse the Ginger:
   • Place the thinly sliced fresh ginger in a sealable container.
   • Pour the vodka over the ginger slices in the container.
   • Seal the container and gently shake to mix.
   • Set the container aside and allow the ginger to infuse the vodka for 1 to 3 days.
   • Store the container in a cool, dark place while infusing.
2. Prepare the Cocktail:
   • After the vodka has infused with the ginger flavor, strain out the ginger slices using a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth.
   • In a cocktail shaker, combine the infused vodka, apple schnapps, a splash of sweet vermouth, and a handful of ice.
   • Cover the cocktail shaker and shake vigorously for about 10 seconds to chill and mix the ingredients.
3. Strain and Garnish:
   • Strain the cocktail mixture from the shaker into a chilled martini glass. You can use a cocktail strainer to achieve a smooth pour.
   • Garnish the cocktail with thin apple slices, which you can arrange on the rim of the glass or float on the surface of the drink.

VARIATIONS:

1. Spiced Pear Twist:
   • Replace the apple schnapps with pear liqueur for a spiced pear variation.
   • Garnish with thin slices of fresh pear on the rim or floating in the drink.
2. Maple Ginger Delight:
   • Infuse the vodka with ginger as in the original recipe.
   • Replace the apple schnapps with maple-flavored liqueur.
   • Add a touch of maple syrup for extra sweetness and depth.
   • Garnish with a small drizzle of maple syrup on top and a cinnamon stick.
3. Caramel Apple Elixir:
   • Prepare the ginger-infused vodka as usual.
   • Use butterscotch schnapps instead of apple schnapps.
   • Rim the glass with caramel sauce and dip it in crushed graham crackers for a caramel apple vibe.
4. Cranberry Zest Twist:
   • Infuse the vodka with ginger slices.
   • Replace apple schnapps with cranberry liqueur or cranberry-flavored vodka.
   • Add a splash of orange liqueur for citrusy depth.
   • Garnish with a twist of orange peel.
5. Autumn Spice Blend:
   • Create the ginger-infused vodka base.
   • Use spiced apple cider instead of apple schnapps.
   • Add a pinch of ground cinnamon and a dash of nutmeg to the cocktail shaker.
   • Garnish with a cinnamon stick and a star anise.
6. Gingerberry Fusion:
   • Infuse the vodka with ginger for that unique kick.
   • Combine blueberry-flavored vodka with raspberry liqueur instead of apple schnapps.
   • Garnish with fresh blueberries and a skewer of raspberries.
7. Tropical Ginger Delight:
   • Prepare ginger-infused vodka.
   • Swap out apple schnapps for coconut rum or pineapple-flavored rum.
   • Add a splash of pineapple juice for a tropical touch.
   • Garnish with a pineapple slice and a maraschino cherry.
8. Minty Apple Refresh:
   • Create ginger-infused vodka base.
   • Substitute apple schnapps with green apple liqueur.
   • Muddle a few fresh mint leaves in the cocktail shaker before adding ingredients.
   • Garnish with a sprig of mint and a thin apple slice.
9. Pomegranate Ginger Sparkle:
   • Prepare ginger-infused vodka.
   • Replace apple schnapps with pomegranate liqueur or pomegranate-flavored vodka.
   • Add a splash of sparkling water or club soda for effervescence.
   • Garnish with pomegranate seeds and a lemon twist.
10. Ginger Citrus Zest:
    • Infuse vodka with ginger slices as the base.
    • Use orange liqueur instead of apple schnapps.
    • Add a splash of freshly squeezed orange juice and a hint of lemon zest.
    • Garnish with an orange twist.