Platinum Blonde

The PLATINUM BLONDE, grapefruit’s answer to the Cosmo, is a great summer or pre-dinner vodka drink. It wakens the taste buds and has enough interesting layers to appeal to every fan of the vodka cocktail. Since working with the mix a few times, I thought it might be helpful to share a better tasting and simpler preparation of this drink than ones often published.

Requirements: vodka, elderflower liqueur, simple syrup, grapefruit, lime, rosemary sprig (optional) & lemon wedge garnish

• 1.5 oz. vodka
• .75 oz. elderflower liqueur (St-Germain preferred)
• .75 oz. grapefruit juice (fresh-squeezed ruby red grapefruit preferred)
• .75 oz. lime juice
• .5 oz. simple syrup
• Lemon wedge garnish and/or rosemary sprig garnish
• grapefruit bitters (optional)

Strain fresh grapefruit juice into an ice-filled shaker with other liquid ingredients and shake vigorously. Strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a lemon wedge or rosemary sprig (optional).

Comment: A rosemary sprig garnish adds a botanical nature to the drink and a lemon wedge can be added to provide a nice sour-mix balance. I prefer squeezing a few drops of the lemon wedge into my mix, but rarely do I have a rosemary sprig to throw in. Adding a dash of grapefruit bitters is an option if available and gives the drink a solid backing (think of the bass in Led Zeppelin).

This is a summertime favorite at our home. Enjoy!