Standard Breakfast

STANDARD BREAKFAST ~ Makes 2 drinks

2 oz Vodka (or Glenlivet Scotch)                         

1 1/2 oz of Meletti (or Cynar)

2 oz fresh lemon juice

4 oz of fresh Ruby Red grapefruit juice

3 Tb homemade cherry grenadine (recipe follows)

Shake in cocktail shaker full of ice and serve up with a lemon wedge garnish.

I was in Philly a week ago for my friend's wedding. I stayed with my BFF Joe and since he makes it his business to keep up with the restaurant scene, he knew that the chef at a.kitchen was voted one of the best new chefs in the country. Excitedly enough, we went there for dinner. The food was sublimely innovative and delicious, but of course, I was happily anticipating the cocktail selections out of the gate. We ordered several cocktails between the 4 of us to try & share and the Standard Breakfast was the clear winner. 

The cocktail at the restaurant was made with Scotch. I tried making it with the Scotch I had in my bar, but it was too peaty for this cocktail, overpowering the rest of the flavors.  I tried it with vodka and it is still delicious. However, I think Glenlivet is smooth enough and would add a depth of flavor.  Also, the original cocktail called for Meletti, an Italian amaro. Sadly, Meletti was nowhere to be found around where I live.  I substituted another liquor in the amaro category that I love, Cynar.   I have played chemist for 2 days so that the girls I am going to Santa Cruz with this weekend could get a taste of Philly, a place I love, filled with people I love and miss. 

Homemade cherry grenadine
1 cup pure cherry juice
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
5 drops of orange flower water

heat cherry juice before boiling, add sugar, dissolve, remove from heat and add lemon juice and orange flower water. Let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for up to 2 weeks. 

Additional use: I added 2 Tb to a large glass of Pellegrino and my daughter loved it. 

CHEERS! 

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