Cocktails
NovBrunchDrinks-cranberry.JPG

[Photograph: Sydney Oland]

The combination of cranberry simple syrup and fresh grapefruit juice makes this a festive morning cocktail. A splash of gin and a simple salt solution to bring out the flavors really makes this drink something special.

About the author: Sydney Oland lives in Somerville, Mass. Find more information at sydneyoland.com (or read eatingnosetotail.com)

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About This Recipe

Yield: makes 4 cocktails
Active time: 5 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes
Special equipment: Cocktail shaker and strainer

Ingredients

  • For the Cranberry Simple Syrup
  • 2 cups fresh cranberries
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 cup water
  •  
  • For the Salt Solution
  • 1 1/2 ounce water
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  •  
  • For the Cocktail
  • 8 ounces gin
  • 8 ounces freshly squeezed grapefruit juice
  • 1 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice, from 1 lime
  • 4 ounces cranberry syrup
  • 2 teaspoons salt solution
  • 16 ounces club soda

Procedures

  1. For the Cranberry Syrup: Combine cranberries, sugar, and water in a small pot and bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until cranberries begin to pop, about 6 minutes. Allow to cool then strain through a fine mesh strainer into a sealable jar, using the back of a spoon to press down on solids to extract as much liquid as possible. Cranberry syrup will keep in the refrigerator for 1 week.

  2. For the Salt Solution: Mix together water and salt until salt is dissolved.

  3. Fill a cocktail shaker and four glasses with ice. Add 4 ounces gin, 4 ounces grapefruit juice, 1/2 ounce lime juice, 2 ounces cranberry syrup and 1 teaspoon salt solution to the shaker. Shake until mixture is very cold, about 15 seconds, then divide between 2 serving glasses. Repeat and fill second 2 glasses.

  4. Top each glass with soda water, stir gently to mix, then serve immediately.