Category Archives: Cocktails

Drink of the Week: Cherrykran Pom Pom

This gloomy weather makes me thirsty for something bright and pink, like spring should be. Good thing a bottle of Absolut Cherrykran just arrived on my doorstep, along with the recipe for a Cherrykran Pom Pom, a drink that packs way more of a punch than its name implies.

So pretty. Just pretend pomegranates are in season.

The Cherrykran Pom Pom cocktail is so pretty. Just pretend pomegranates are in season. Photo courtesy Absolut Vodka.

You may recall from earlier posts that I am not a fan of flavoured vodkas. I tend to think they taste rather chemically, as was the case with the UV Cake vodka. Since I am not a universal vodka-hater, and I have an open mind, I quickly unscrewed the top on the Cherrykran bottle in the name of research.

While I probably wouldn’t sip it on its own, I like that the Cherrykran has been infused with real fruit; in this case, cherries, white cranberries and plums. When mixed with lemon juice, pomegranate juice and just a touch of simple syrup, as the recipe calls for, you’ve got a slightly sweet, very tart and extremely pretty cocktail. And, just like a spring shower, it will sneak up on you without warning (read: it’s strong but you can’t taste the alcohol, so beware). I would normally tell you to stay dry, but hey, you’re drinking, so go ahead and get wet.

Absolut Cherrykran Pom Pom

  • 2 oz Absolut Cherrykran
  • 3/4 oz lemon juice
  • 1-1/2 oz pomegranate juice
  • 1/2 oz simple syrup* (or to taste — you may find the pom juice is sweet enough)
  • Pomegranate seed garnish (I de-seed 3-4 pomegranates every fall, then freeze the seeds so I always have some on hand)

Shake all the ingredients and strain over ice into a lowball glass. Garnish with pomegranate seeds.

*To make simple syrup mix equal parts sugar and water in a saucepan and heat until sugar is dissolved. Cool and refrigerate.

— Recipe courtesy Absolut Vodka

Drink of the Week: Farmer’s Martini

I finally made it to dinner at Downtown Food last weekend at the suggestion of friends. After eating what I can only describe as the best — and most creative — meal out I’ve had in a long time, I have to wonder what took me so long to get there. So, if you get a chance, go.

The restaurant also has an interesting cocktail list, featuring a drink with sake, one with lychee liqueur and three different martinis (not of the sweet variety). I opted for the Farmer’s Martini, a wise choice given my penchant for gin and elderflower liqueur.

What a pretty drink. Tastes good, too!

The Farmer’s Martini at Downtown Food is such a pretty drink. Bonus: it tastes good, too!

I’m guessing the name is a nod to its two farm-fresh ingredients: cucumbers and sage. No matter — this drink is awesome. Gin and cucumbers are meant for each other, but add in  lime juice, elderflower cordial and a hint of sage and you’ve got a savoury drink that’s both creative and refreshing. Enjoy!

Farmer’s Martini

  • 2 oz gin, preferably Hendrick’s
  • 2 oz cucumber puree*
  • 1 oz fresh-squeezed lime juice
  • 1 oz elderflower cordial
  • 2-3 sprigs sage
  • 4-6 ice cubes
  • Top soda water
  • Lime wedge and cucumber slice garnish

In a shaker combine sage cucumbers and ice and muddle to crush sage. Add gin, lime and elderflower cordial. Shake, then strain into a martini glass. Top with soda water to taste. Garnish with a lime wedge and cucumber slice. (Drink should be bright green with flecks of sage and cucumber.)

*Cucumber puree: Using a hand mixer or in a Magic Bullet, pulse cucumbers with a bit of water or lime juice to make a puree.

— Recipe courtesy Darren MacLean, owner and chef, Downtown Food

Drink of the Week: Whiskey Smash

Sorry to bombard you with two bourbon cocktails in a row, but trends being what they are (bourbon is hot, baby) I can’t help myself. Or, blame it on the lemons and mint — we have a bag of the former and a bunch of the later in the fridge so I went online looking for something that used those ingredients, expecting to find recipes featuring rum or gin. I was excited to discover one with bourbon. Say hello to the Whiskey Smash, a seriously delicious drink.

The Whiskey Smash features bourbon and muddled mint and lemons. It's yummy.

The Whiskey Smash mixes bourbon with muddled mint and lemons. Yum!

What makes my version so good (I think) is the honey syrup. It helps bring out the honey notes in the bourbon and it goes well with both lemons and mint. And for those planning on tuning in to the Kentucky Derby this Sunday, but who don’t really like mint juleps, this cocktail is a lovely alternative. In fact, it’s way better. Enjoy!

Dive in to a tart, sweet and strong Whiskey Smash.

Dive in to a tart, sweet and strong Whiskey Smash.

Whiskey Smash

  • 1-3/4 oz bourbon whiskey (I used Maker’s Mark)
  • 3/4 oz simple syrup (I used honey syrup: equal parts honey and water)
  • 1/2 lemon, cut into four chunks
  • 6 mint leaves, plus one for garnish

Put mint and lemon chunks into a cocktail shaker. Muddle to release lemon juice and mint oils. Add bourbon and simple syrup and ice. Shake vigorously, then strain into a rocks glass filled with crushed ice. Garnish with a mint leaf.