Drinkies: Springtime

We’ve recently had our first summer-like days here in Chicago. Temperatures around 80 degrees last weekend and again today, with blue skies and a balmy breeze. Perfection!

After yard chores, garden prep and cleaning the grill, this refreshing cocktail is a well-deserved reward and a good reminder that before summer arrives in earnest we should still make sure to enjoy ... Springtime!    

(recipe and tunage after the jump)

We had our first taste of Springtime at a long ago Supper Club – thanks again, Kathleen and Karen! This tasty, tangy, oh so pretty cocktail is less sweet than you might think. In my book that’s a good thing, but of course you should adjust the balance of ingredients to suit your taste.

So be sure to enjoy the season, enjoy a refreshing cool beverage, and enjoy this seasonally appropriate song from Mike Errico, a supremely talented singer, songwriter and composer for film and TV, to whom I was introduced (musically speaking) by my dear friend John. 

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Springtime Cocktail
Makes 1

Ingredients:

1 ½ oz Absolut Kurant Vodka

3 oz Cranberry juice

½ oz Fresh lime juice

1 ¼ oz Bitter Lemon mixer (Bar chef’s note: this can be hard to find. If it’s not at your grocery, check with a good liquor store)

Lime slice for garnish (optional)

Directions:

• Mix vodka, cranberry juice and lime juice in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake vigorously. 
  

• Strain and pour into glass with ice cubes – fill glass about 2/3 full. 
  

• Add the Bitter lemon soda, stir, garnish with lime slice if desired, and enjoy. Cheers!
  

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