The French Tart

Vodka, freshly squeezed pink grapefruit juice, lemon juice, rosemary-infused simple syrup, and elderflower liqueur pair up to make this one intriguing cocktail. It has just the right balance of tart and sweet with a lovely finish of soft floral and herbal notes.

Each cocktail contains two ounces of vodka so don’t be fooled by its pretty façade. They will still pack a boozy punch!

Recipe adapted from NerdswithKnives

I've been dealing with some personal matters over the last few weeks that has distracted me from writing and well, cooking.

After 20+ years with the same company, I am changing jobs. Yes, my real job that actually pays the bills! I have been an absolute bundle of nerves with a ton of mixed emotions. I greatly appreciate all your support and understanding as I adjust to these unexpected changes and settle into a new routine.

So, it probably goes without saying that I need a cocktail (or two). I was hoping you'd join me.

I stumbled across this unique recipe a few months ago. I was intrigued by the unexpected flavor combinations. I knew I had to try it.

Until now, I was not familiar with elderberry liqueur. It's made from the white flowers on the elderberry bush. It's florally – but not like rose or lavender. It has hints of citrus and tropical flavors and it's quite a bit sweeter than you might think – making it a perfect pairing for the tart (and sometimes bitter) grapefruit.

If you follow my blog regularly, you know I am a big fan of using infused simple syrups in my cocktails. This one uses one of my favorites – rosemary. The earthy notes of the rosemary complement the citrus and floral notes of the liqueur perfectly.

You'll want to start by making the simple syrup. To do this, place 1 cup of white sugar and 1 cup of water in a microwave-safe bowl. Add 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary. Microwave on high for 1 to 2 minutes. Stir and reheat if needed until the sugar is completely dissolved. Allow to cool on the counter for an hour. Discard the rosemary sprigs. Strain the syrup into a clean glass jar by using a fine mesh colander. Seal the syrup with a tight-fitting lid and refrigerate until ready to use.

To make the cocktails, add 2 ounces vodka, 1-ounce elderflower liqueur, 2 ounces freshly squeezed grapefruit juice, 1 ounce of lemon juice, and 1-ounce rosemary simple syrup to a shaker. Fill the shaker with ice. Shake vigorously to mix well. Pour into a chilled glass. Garnish with fresh grapefruit wedges and a fresh rosemary sprig, if desired.

As we close the door to the past, we open a new door to the future. Take a deep breath and take things one step at a time. Settle into the start of this wonderful new chapter of life.

Cheers, my friends! Here's to new adventures and new beginnings!

This recipe makes one cocktail.

Let's get cooking!

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Ingredients

Simple syrup:

• 1 cup sugar

• 1 cup water

• 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary

Cocktails:

• 2-ounces vodka

• 1-ounce elderflower liquor

• 2-ounces pink grapefruit juice fresh squeezed and strained

• 1-ounce lemon juice fresh squeezed

• 1-ounce rosemary simple syrup (above)

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How to make

Please be sure to visit NerdswithKnives for the source recipe and original instructions.

Simple syrup:

1. Place the sugar, water, and rosemary in a microwave-safe bowl.

2. Stir well.

3. Microwave the mixture on high for 1 to 2 minutes.

4. Stir and reheat as needed until the sugar dissolves.

5. Allow the mixture to cool on the counter for an hour.

6. Discard the rosemary springs.

7. Strain the syrup into a clean glass jar by using a fine mesh colander.

8. Seal the syrup with a tight-fitting lid and refrigerate until ready to use.

Cocktails:

1. Add 2 ounces vodka, 1-ounce elderflower liqueur, 2 ounces freshly squeezed grapefruit juice, 1 ounce of lemon juice, and 1-ounce rosemary simple syrup to a shaker.

2. Fill the shaker with ice.

3. Shake vigorously to mix well.

4. Pour into a chilled glass.

5. Garnish with fresh grapefruit wedges and a fresh rosemary sprig, if desired.

6. Enjoy!

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