Here in Madison, Wisconsin there used to be THE perfect (to me) restaurant. It had something for everyone: think bar food, wonderful salads and appetizers, decent prices, plenty of seating, a casual, friendly crowd, and in the summer a HUGE outdoor patio. Those who live in Wisconsin LOVE places with outdoor seating, even though it’s relevant only 3-4 months of the year. It makes up a tiny bit for those days of winter. ⛄️
So, I was particularly sad when this restaurant closed. Something about using the (truly awesome) location for a different purpose. What?! Don’t they know? We NEEDED that restaurant!
Rather than rip out my favorite booth and take it with me, I went in a different direction: I wrote down the ingredients of my favorite cocktail, what they called a “Grapefruit Kiss.” It was similar to a vodka with cranberry juice, with some adjustments. All I had to do was figure out the proportions.
I had a unique trip to the liquor store. I was looking for grapefruit flavored vodka and “St. Germaine Elderflower Liqueur”. The vodka was no problem, but the elderflower liqueur took some searching. I found the St Germaine as well as a cheaper brand. I decided to get the cheaper brand, since I was just experimenting. When I went to the checkout, the guy took one look and said: “Wow, I can’t believe it”! I felt a little self-conscious – was 2 bottles really that much? Was this guy judging me? So I asked him what he meant, and he pointed to the elderflower liqueur and said “I’ve had those in stock for so long and never sold any until today – and you are the second one!” to which I said “Well, the recipe says St. Germaine, but I’m hoping it won’t make a difference.” He said, “that’s exactly what the other guy said!” LOL.
Well THAT bottle of elderflower liqueur is long gone and now I DO have the real, not the knock-off brand of St. Germaine. To be honest, I don’t think it makes much difference. But, I’m kinda high-maintenance, so I’ll probably keep buying the real stuff.
So in my kitchen, this beverage was created. Since I cannot be certain I have the exact same proportions, I am calling mine the Cranberry-Grapefruit Kiss. Anyone who likes cranberry juice will love this drink.
I personally feel that any beverage containing cranberry juice should be considered health food, don’t you?
Cranberry-Grapefruit Kiss
Ingredients
- 1 shot (1.5 oz)grapefruit flavored vodka
- ½ shot (0.75 oz)elderflower liqueur
- 6 oz cranberry juice
- 1 wedge of lime
- sugar for rim optional
Instructions
- Use the lime wedge to rim the edge of the glass. Dip the moist edge in sugar to coat.
- In a cocktail shaker, mix the vodka, liqueur, and cranberry juice with ice. Strain into the prepared glass. Garnish with the lime wedge.
Nutrition
Cheers!
Mmm, this will be perfect on a deck some warm summer evening! Can’t wait to try this recipe!
Yes: deck, patio, living room, kitchen. I can attest to all of these locations 😃
So what resturant closed that you loved??
Sprechers 🙂