I wanted the latest seasonal cocktail to feature a classic New England harvest – fall’s little red gems, cranberries!
The best juice, hands down, comes from RIPE Bar Juice which cold presses fruit giving it lasting freshness. It’s available online or at Whole Foods. Square One Vodkas are made with all organic ingredients and offer some really beautiful flavors, such as those used here. I simmered a sprig of fresh rosemary with a cup of sugar and a cup of water to make a woody syrup to complement the ingredients. Rosemary was valued by the ancients of many cultures as a sacred plant that could impart peace to both the living and the dead. They say planting it by your garden gate convinces witches and evil spirits to tread elsewhere.
Gatekeeper
1 oz Square One Botanical Vodka
.5 oz Square One Organic Basil Vodka
.25 oz Aperol
3 oz Cranberry Juice
.25 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
.25 oz Rosemary Syrup
Dash of Peychaud’s Bitters
Editor’s note: Organic Nation vodka is also organic and quite tasty…and I happened to have had a tiny bottle on hand to use in this photo! But unfortunately Organic Nation Spirits (a small batch distiller in Oregon) closed last year despite many awards for their product. I find their story of not being able to compete against the big players particularly distressing — BUY LOCAL!
Also – Peychauds Bitters…I didn’t have it on hand and my local didn’t either (so I subbed)….but Amazon.
I think I’ve found my Thanksgiving cocktail!
Caroline
Caroline – So glad! But watch this space — I have 2 more fantastic options coming up as well (posting next Monday and then the Monday after that!)
I’m running outside to harvest my rosemary on the porch. I’m so lucky we’ve had a mild winter until now, so it’s still growing!