Christmas Tree Martini

After discovering Skinos Greek Liqueur on my last trip to Surdyk's, I was excited to find another bottle that was very much pine tree flavored. This martini is quite similar to the Gunflint Martini, but more pine flavored and less wintery. In this case, the mint providing a more subtle aftertaste than the strong Rumplemintz and adds a fresh green color.

Given the Douglas Fir infused brandy from Clear Creek Distillery is proven so hard to find, I think this new Skinos liqueur makes a very good replacement in that martini as well.

• 3 oz Skinos Mastiha Spirit Liqueur
• 2 oz Bombay Sapphire Gin
• Splash of Creme De Menthe
• 1/2 oz Lime Juice
• Sprig of Pine Branch

Chill an up glass with crushed ice and water. Shake all liquid ingredients with ice in a shaker until it sweats and strain into the glass. Garnish with the pine sprig. (In this case, stolen from the Christmas tree.)