Kaki, my but this drink is tasty.

I hadn’t originally planned on a cocktail to go with Meyer Lemon Day.  Well, truth be told I had, but it’d fallen by the wayside when I thought we wouldn’t have enough lemons.  Thankfully, in her infinite wisdom Cooper noticed that, you know, we could probably cut down the lemon in the salsa for the fish… leaving us a Meyer to spare!

Also magically, she had all of the other ingredients for this drink on hand.  🙂  It was wonderful to sip during the Golden Globes; maybe I’ll make up a batch for the Oscars this weekend!

Meyer Lemon Sparkler

Adapted from Cooking Light (which states this makes 6 servings… The three of us probably had a flute-and-a-half each, but, you know, portion control or something like that)

Ingredients

• 1 cup water
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1 sprig fresh rosemary (I think basil might also do nicely)
• 1 Meyer lemon
• 1/3 cup vodka, chilled
• 2 cups sparkling white wine, chilled

In a large, microwave-safe bowl, combine the water, sugar, and fresh rosemary.  Microwave for 2 1/2 minutes, then stir until the sugar dissolves completely.  Remove and discard the rosemary sprig.  Move bowl to the fridge to chill for about 20 minutes.

Using a vegetable peeler, carefully cut away wide pieces of the Meyer lemon peel, being sure to not cut so deep as to reach the white pith.  Twist a length of peel into each glass for serving.  Then, juice the Meyer lemon.

In a pitcher, combine the cooled rosemary syrup, Meyer lemon juice, vodka, and sparkling white wine.  Stir gently to combine.  Pour into prepared glasses and serve immediately.

Any Oscar predictions, my dear?  I haven’t seen too many of the nominees, honestly.  I just like seeing the evening wear, and seeing people be rewarded so publicly for a lifetime of work.  At least, that’s how some of the awards go, and I like that.

–Caitlin