The Sentimental: A refreshing grapefruit cocktail to level up New Orleans porch season

Last week, our friend’s Ann and Bill texted us to share a new cocktail they were enjoying. It was a delightful spin on a greyhound. Traditionally, a greyhound is simply grapefruit juice and either vodka or gin. You really can’t go wrong! The version Ann and Bill discovered is a rosemary greyhound cocktail, which adds rosemary simple syrup into the mix. Ann tweaked it a bit more by including a dollop of local honey in her version of the simple syrup. The result is a bright, refreshing and seasonal (until the end of April) cocktail that, despite how easy it is to make, feels decadent.

Ann used heirloom Rosenthal Crystal her mom Meme bought in Germany the early ‘60s (or perhaps ‘70s). The Tom’s Town Vodka, which comes in an exquisitely designed bottle, was also a gift from Ann’s college roommate. The rosemary was fresh from a plant that was also gifted by Meme. We dubbed Ann’s version of the drink The Sentimental, because so many of the accouterments and ingredients in Ann’s are from loved ones. I recommend enjoying it in a swanky glass, with your best vodka and maybe a few good memories. Serve with a healthy helping of porch, patio, yard or whatever little slice of outdoors you can claim. Cheers!

The Sentimental

Ingredients

• 1 cup water
• 2/3 cup sugar
• Dollop of local honey
• 6 sprigs rosemary
• Grapefruit juice, freshly squeezed
• Vodka
• Ice

First, make the rosemary honey simple syrup. Heat water and sugar over medium heat until sugar dissolves. Pour hot liquid into a container (a Mason jar will do the trick) with 4 sprigs of rosemary and a dollop of local honey. Allow to steep for about an hour. Ann says she muddled the rosemary a bit with a spoon.

Next, mix the cocktail. Pour 2 ounces vodka, ½ ounce rosemary honey simple syrup and 4 ounces grapefruit juice over ice. Mix and garnish with sprig of rosemary. Serves 1.