Out of the Darkness: Cocktails to Brighten a Winter’s Eve

By Seattle Mag November 8, 2012

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After daylight savings, the chance for an after-work or evening cocktail accompanied by even a wisp of sunshine has vanished (at least here in the Northwest), which—some days—makes a good drink all the more necessary.

I think the perfect drink for this time of year can take two paths. It can either embrace the dark, like the first choice here, or bring its own ray of sunshine like the second. Try both and let me know which you think is best.

 

The Black Pearl
This darkly-named number seems to celebrate the extra hours of night. But while I do believe it’s best at a later time (and shared with that special someone), the fact that it contains sparkling wine does bring a little bubbly nature into the proceedings adds balance. This recipe’s from Good Spirits:

Fill a cocktail shaker or mixing glass halfway full with ice cubes.

Add 1 ounce cognac and 1 ounce Tia Maria.

Stir well. Strain into a flute and then top with Champagne or sparkling wine.

Garnish with a cherry either dropped in or speared and floated on top.

 

The Golden Frog
A drink that’s bright like the sunshine on a summer morning, it makes an ideal sun substitute. Also, this cocktail boasts two classic Italian liqueurs in the ingredients list, Strega and Galliano, so it doubles as a vacation in a glass if needed. This recipe’s from Ginger Bliss and the Violet Fizz

Fill a cocktail shaker halfway full with ice cubes.

Add 1-1/2 ounces vodka (I think Sound Spirits Ebb + Flow vodka works in a lovely manner)

1-1/2 ounces Galliano

1/2-ounce Strega

1/4 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice

Shake well. Strain into a cocktail glass and let the sunshine in.

 

Photo copyright 2007 Melissa Punch and Harvard Common Press

 

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