Get ready, ‘cause we’re boozing it up today.
Sometimes it’s nice to have a little something sweet to reward yourself with, and although I’m all for turning to a sweet snack, it’s also a good idea to have a few drink recipes in your back pocket for when you want to celebrate life’s little victories…or for the days when it’s easier to face a cocktail than reality.
That sounds dark. But really, what better way to brighten up your day than with this pretty little drink? Yeah, it’s sweet and “girly”, but all that really means is that it’s extra delicious. Go with it.
Valentine’s Day looming large with no date yet? You don’t need one – make this drink and be your own lovely Valentine. Or are you spending a romantic night in with that special someone? Surprise ‘em with two Lady Veronas – they’re red, so look at you being the most thoughtful person ever.
Or maybe you just want to get over a bad case of the Mondays. I think we both know what you have to do.
This cocktail, really just a spin on a cosmopolitan, was inspired by a drink I had at Alden & Harlow called the Sandhill Crane. It was made with gin, cranberry sage, lime and maple, and it was so good that every time I went there from then on I wouldn’t order anything else (although to be fair, all of their drinks -and food! – are excellent). In recreating it, I just swapped the gin for vodka, added some orange liqueur, tweaked the details, and slapped it with the name Lady Verona.
Get thee a glass!
Lady Verona {Maple Cranapple Cosmo}
by L.
serves 1
1 1/2 ounces (1 shot) vodka, chilled
1/2 ounce (1 Tbsp) Triple Sec or other orange liqueur
1/2 ounce (1 Tbsp) maple syrup
1/2 cup cran-apple juice, chilled
juice of 1/2 lemon
1 small orange, for peeling
Pop your glass in the freezer to chill.
To take the rind of an orange, use a vegetable peeler to peel a piece about 1” wide by 2-3” long. Lay this piece flat and slice it into long strips. Roll these up tightly, then release. You should have beautiful curled orange rinds for garnishing.
Combine all ingredients and stir well. Serve immediately with orange rind garnish.
Cheers, friends.