Terra Americana

I think of this as my mother's drink.  It is for when you need to make any day a special day.  It is a classic cocktail, from the days of Mad Men.  We enjoy them with a restrained abandon; as though beauties the likes of Marilyn Monroe were still adored and people still took the time to sit and enjoy a proper cocktail before a dinner party.

What I would do for one right now.  It is a rainy Saturday in South Eastern China and I enjoyed it in ways I would never take the time to at home.  I went shopping with a girlfriend, we had pedicures and lunch.  Now I am sitting on my balcony, with bright red toe nails, watching the day light fade as gigantic raindrops christen the trees which are beginning to flower.  I am plotting to buy a bottle of Chinese Kafka vodka and seek out some limes...all the while wishing my mother were here.....

• 1 cup water
• 3 packets stevia
• 3 oz vodka
• the juice of 6 limes

Heat limes in the microwavable for 1 min to bring out the juice.  Press the limes for all the juice.  If you are like us, you will take the pulp as well.  Fill a cocktail shaker with the juice and pulp, vodka, stevia, water and as many ice cubes as will fit.

Shake for a couple minutes.  Serve over ice or not.  The key is to rest, relax and enjoy!

More Creative Cocktails:

• The "Eddy"

• Irish Coffee

• Mint Juleps

• The Karentini

Photo Credit:  Julie Cecchini