Ice Wine and a Martini

Ice wine?  Are there vineyards in Alaska?  And, what about mixing this ice wine with vodka to make a martini?  Who thought up this concoction?

Well, it's the creation of the mixologist at the Salt Creek Grillein Rumson, NJ.  According to the bar manager, ice wines, which are not well known ~ RIGHT!, are "deliciously complex and pack a lot of flavor."  The Salt Creek Grille carries Covey Run'Reserve' Semillon Ice Wine, Yakima Valley, 2006 produced in Washington state.  Ice wine is made from grapes that have frozen on the vine. 

At Covey Run, the ice wine is said to be one of the world’s rarest dessert wines. In order to make it, vintners must leave grapes on the vine until they freeze. In eastern Washington, this requires a Canadian arctic air mass and temperatures of 19°F or below. Brrrr!

Here is Salt Creek Grille's recipe for an Ice Wine Martini.  According to the bar manager, "It is the perfect complement to Skyy Vodka."

4 parts Skyy Vodka, 1 part Ice Wine and 3 frozen white seedless grapes on a skewer for garnish.  In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine vodka and ice wine.  Shake vigorously for 10 seconds, then strain into a chilled martini glass.  Garnish with the grapes.

Salud!  An icy aperitif to bid winter adieu and welcome spring!