Ginger Cocktail

Using a vegetable peeler, peel the fresh ginger, then grate it on a ginger grater or the finest rasps of a box grater. Measure out 1 1/2 tsp. for 1 cocktail, or to taste. At this point, the ginger can be refrigerated for up to 6 hours.

Chill a martini glass in the freezer. Chop the mint finely and measure out 1/2 tsp. Fill a cocktail shaker three-fourths full with ice. Add the vodka, sake, simple syrup, grated ginger and chopped mint. Cover with the lid and shake vigorously for 10 to 20 seconds, then strain into the prepared glass. Squeeze the lime wedge into the cocktail, discarding the lime. Garnish with candied ginger. Serves 1.

Adapted from Williams-Sonoma Bride & Groom Entertaining, by Brigit Binns (Gold Street Press, 2007).