SPIRITS

Rosemary Refresher

A fusion of grapefruit and rosemary A fusion of grapefruit and rosemary elevates a vodka cocktail into an aromatic elevates a vodka cocktail into an aromatic and refreshing fall drink. and refreshing fall drink.

BY SANDI GRIGG

OOne evening, after raking leaves in my yard, I decided it was time for a drink and relaxation. I have a huge rosemary bush in my yard and I wanted to use some of its lemony-pine-like flavor for an iconic element of autumn. I also had some pink grapefruits that I had just gotten from the market. Grapefruits are available all year long, but on the East Coast they are seasonally best October through June.

I went to our bar to see what liquor options I had on hand. My spouse came running down the steps after hearing me clanging bottles and glasses in the bar. I have learned that if you rattle a cocktail shaker, they will come. For this recipe I used vodka because it is my go-to liquor. But my spouse is partial to bourbon, so I created it both ways, and they were both exceptionally tantalizing. Smashing the grapefruit with the honey and rosemary sprigs omits the most pleasantly distinctive bouquet. I poured the pleasantly colored cocktail into our ice-filled glasses and garnished with grapefruit slices and sprigs of rosemary. The color of the bourbonbased drink was not as pleasant, but it was tasty nonetheless. If you are in search of a thirst-quenching cocktail that offers the flavors of fall, then this is your drink. The recipe below is for a pitcher of four drinks that’s perfect for sharing with friends. Try it both ways!

GRAPEFRUIT AND ROSEMARY FUSION

Makes 4 drinks

INGREDIENTS

1½ cups fresh pink grapefruit juice, plus 1 pink grapefruit cut into wedges 1 ⁄ 8 cup honey Fresh rosemary springs 1 cup vodka or bourbon ¼ cup fresh lime juice

METHOD

Combine half the grapefruit wedges, honey and a few rosemary sprigs in a large pitcher and mash with a muddler or wooden spoon. Add grapefruit juice, vodka or bourbon and lime juice; stir to combine. Serve over ice and garnish with remaining grapefruit wedges and rosemary.