THIS IS NOT A MARTINI.

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A French friend once told me a martini could only be called so if it consists of vodka or gin, and vermouth. Anything more than that, she said, is not a martini. As Margritte pointed out in the late 1920's, we would be lying if we called something that may not be, fact. This is a collection of my very own original creations.
Call them what you like.

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Vodka

Cointreau

Cinnamon Liqueur

Pumpkin Spice seltzer

Powdered gelatin

Fresh ginger

Tabasco

Chili powder

Cayenne pepper

Salt

Sugar

To make the garnish empty 2 packets of powdered gelatin into a shallow bowl lined with plastic wrap. Pour in about 1/2 cup of cold seltzer water. Mix this gently with the back of a spoon to dissolve. Bring 1/2 cup water and about a tbsp. of roughly chopped fresh ginger. Add the boiling liquid to the gelatin and combine with the back of a spoon until completely combined. Add 1 tsp each of the salt, sugar, Cayenne pepper, and Chili powder. Gently incorporate the spices into the gelatin mixture. Place in the refrigerator for an hour to set. If you are in a hurry this can be placed in the freezer. Remove from freezer if edges become freezer bitten and allow to finish in the refrigerator. You can cut these into squares with a knife but a cookie cutter makes it worth the effort. Gently cut the gelatin and set aside.

On to the martini. Pour cold vodka, Cointreau, cinnamin liquer, a splash of pumpkin seltzer, and 4 dashes of Tabasco over another tbsp. of very roughly chopped ginger. Shake over ice and pour over the spicy garnishes. Top off with a splash of the pumpkin seltzer.

This is perfect for that Fall weather that has come too soon. The citrusy-spice is the perfect transition from t-shirt to fleece.