"A Fresh Start" to celebrate the inauguration

I am excited about tomorrow’s inaugural. I feel proud and hopeful about the state of my country for the first time in a long time. I feel so hopeful that I decided to create a tribute beverage. (Ok – so I am always happy to create a tribute beverage.) I took some berries I had marinated in Grand Marnier  and a bit of maple syrup, leftover from Sunday’s breakfast, pureed and strained them. I chilled a couple of martini glasses. In my trusty shaker, I combined lemon vodka and and one of those lemon martini mixes you can get in the supermarket. Then I played. In one martini glass I spooned in the puree and then poured the lemon mixture on top. It mixed and formed the redish martini pictured. In the other glass I began by pouring in the lemon mixture and the dripped in drops of the berry puree. The blended martini was tastier. The unblended was more visually interesting. I ended up mixing-up  the second after we took the photos. I am trying to figure out if there is any symbolism in that.

Cheers! It’s a fresh start.

Red Badge of Courage

• Bacardi 151
• Tequila
• Grenadine

In a shot glass, pour a small amount of grenadine, layer in tequila, and top with a splash of 151. Light it and watch the flame as you give your personal thank you.  Blow out the flame and, if you are truly courageous, toss it back.

Salut!

The holidays are past, but we still have a sweet tooth here.

• chocolate shavings for rimming
• 1 part crème de cacao
• 2 parts vodka
• dark chocolate garnish

Warm a martini glass over a small flame, then roll the rim in chocolate shavings. Put a square of dark chocolate in the glass, then prepare the liquor. Shake vodka and crème de cacao with ice and strain into glass. For additional flavor, sprinkle the top with cocoa powder or chocolate shavings.

Please tipple responsibly.