Earl Grey Martini

Infuse the Gin: In a small glass, gently combine the Earl Grey tea leaves with the gin. Allow this mixture to steep, covered, for at least 2 hours to allow the tea to fully infuse its flavor into the gin. (Time: 2 hours)

Prepare the Glasses: While the gin is steeping, prepare your martini glasses. Spread a thin, even layer of white sugar onto a small, shallow plate. Moisten the rim of each martini glass with the lemon wedge. Gently dip the moistened rims into the sugar, ensuring an even coating. Set the prepared glasses aside. (Time: 5 minutes)

Combine and Chill: Once the gin has steeped, strain it through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove the tea leaves. In a cocktail shaker, combine the infused gin, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup. Add a generous handful of ice cubes to the shaker. (Time: 5 minutes)

Shake Vigorously: Secure the lid on the cocktail shaker and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds, or until the outside of the shaker is well-chilled and frosted. This ensures the cocktail is properly mixed and adequately chilled. (Time: 1 minute)

Strain and Serve: Strain the chilled cocktail into the prepared martini glasses, ensuring no ice chips make their way into the final drink. Garnish with a fresh lemon twist or a few additional Earl Grey tea leaves, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy the sophisticated flavors of your Earl Grey Martini. (Time: 2 minutes)