Nothing says “I love you, mom,” like a hand-made cocktail. This mother’s day (May 12; write it down now), make something personal. Like a cocktail.
For these vodka cocktails, I used Luksusowa ($25.45). It’s triple-distilled and charcoal filtered, resulting in drink that is smooth, crisp, clean, and clear—ideal for cocktails.
I also used Luksusowa Cherry for the cherry blossom, which is essentially a cherry mimosa that goes well with brunch.
Basil and Raspberry Smash
Ingredients:
1 1/2 oz. vodka
1/2 oz. simple syrup
5 basil leaves
10 fresh raspberries
1/2 oz. cranberry juice
Garnish: 2 fresh raspberries and a basil leaf
Instructions:
Muddle the basil and raspberries gently in a short glass. Add all other ingredients and fill glass 2/3 with crushed ice. Mix well using a bar spoon and top up with ice.
Cherry Blossom
Ingredients:
1/2 oz. cherry vodka
1/2 tsp. vanilla syrup*
Champagne
Garnish: vanilla stick
Instructions:
Shake vodka and vanilla syrup in a shaker with ice. Double strain into a chilled Champagne flute. Top with cold champagne, garnish and serve.
Apple and Vanilla Collins
Ingredients:
1 1/2 oz. vodka
3/4 oz. fresh lemon juice
1/2 oz. vanilla syrup*
3/4 oz. apple puree
Soda water
Garnish: Lemon peel and apple wedge
Instructions:
Shake first four ingredients and pour into a highball glass filled with ice cubes. Top up with soda water.
*Vanilla Syrup
Ingredients:
1 cup sugar
1 cup water
1 tsp. vanilla extract
