Gently Alcoholized Libations

Elderflower lemonade

Through the trials of the pandemic, the ritual of happy hour – and cocktails or mocktails – have taken a more prominent place in so many households around the world. Whether for a Zoom or HouseParty happy hour, or for gentle self-medication for calm from the current craziness (and there is so much craziness) a little creative mixology.

I, personally, am not a “big drinker”. A relaxing refreshment enjoyed occasionally is a nice thing. I tend to have mild allergic reactions to alcohol… red ears, itchy red face and most recently head cold-like symptoms. In recent years, I’ve come to learn that in addition to gluten in most beer, I am sensitive to added sulfites in wine, and most recently alcohol with any carbonation or carbonated mixer. So, we learn to move forward with what works – thoughtfully crafted beverages.

In addition to the concerns above, I have always loved a cocktail with a maraschino cherry, but I’m not a fan of red dye #5. Stonewall Kitchens makes a line of naturally dyed maraschinos using the name Badda Bing, that are delicious. For an extra level of sophistication, Luxardo maraschino cherries in heavy syrup are a real treat!

To this end, I present a couple of new summertime favorites, in order of strength – from mildest to strongest:

Elderflower Lemonade – 2 servings

Ingredients:

               Juice of 1 large lemon (approx. 1½-2oz)

             2 TBSP Simple Syrup

             1oz Elderflower Liquor

              ½ oz Vodka

              16 oz Still or Sparkling Spring Water

             Lemon wheels for garnish

Combine the first 5 ingredients and stir. Pour into glasses over ice. Float a lemon wheel on top of each glass.

Luxardo-Cherry Frozen Lemonade – 2 extremely refreshing servings

Luxardo-cherry frozen lemonade

Ingredients:

               Juice of 1 large lemon or lime (approx.. 1½-2oz)

             3 TBSP Simple Syrup

             1 oz Luxardo Maraschino Originale

             ¾ of a Tray of Ice Cubes

              Maraschino Cherry and its Syrup

Fill the jar of a high-power blender with the ice, pour the juice and simple syrup and blend – low speed first, then higher speed until fully blended. Add water sparingly as needed to achieve closer to a drinkable texture. Add the Luxardo and blend again. Fill each glass halfway with frozen lemonade. Layer a spoon of maraschino syrup on each. Fill each glass with the remaining frozen lemonade. Layer 1-2 more spoons of maraschino syrup on top, and add a maraschino cherry to each for garnish.

 Sour Cherrytini – 1 powerful serving

Sour cherrytini packs a delicious sweet-tart punch.

             1½ oz    Luxardo Sour Cherry Gin

             1 oz       Luxardo Maraschino Originale

             ½ oz        Maraschino Cherry Syrup

             1½ oz    Lime Juice

Maraschino cherry and lime zest for garnish

Fill a shaker or smaller mason jar with ice and add the first four ingredients. Shake, and strain into a martini glass. Add a maraschino cherry with a bit of lime zest as garnish.

If you would like to fashion the lime zest into a leaf (instead of an elegant curl), start with a broader strip of zest. Use a paring knife to cut out a simple leaf shape that is thicker at one end. Use the tip of the paring knife to carefully cut an X at the bottom center of the leaf – leaving enough space for the zest not to tear through when the cherry stem passes through it.

Cheers! Santé! À la tienne! Any way you prefer to say it, enjoy in good health!