PUSHKIN’S PUNCH

PUSHKIN’S PUNCH
1 measure vodka
1 measure Grand Marnier
Dash of lime juice
Dash of orange bitters
Dry sparkling wine

PUSHKIN’S PUNCH left me punchy tonight and it was just what I needed this fine Wednesday. The cocktail was named after the great Russian writer, Alexander Sergeyevich Pushkin. Pushkin lived in the early 1800s and is considered to be the founder of modern Russian literature. He was also very, very touchy about anyone who dared to insult his honor, and he was famous for the 29 duels he fought, the last one ending his life at the age of 37.

But, his name lives on in the form of a hard-hitting cocktail that combines both clear and brown liquors. To make a PUSHKIN’S PUNCH, put the first four ingredients above into a shaker, add ice and shake. After shaking, strain the muddy, yellow-colored mixture into a chilled wine glass or goblet, then top it off with dry sparkling wine. The amount of wine you add depends on your personal preference and mood. Now don’t stir, just drink.

Hubby said the cocktail smelled bad and didn’t taste much better. But I thought that once you got past the first sip, the PUSHKIN’S PUNCH starts to grows on you. Mine went down pretty quick. I used peach bitters instead of orange and it didn’t seem to change the flavor. Grand Marnier — a combo of cognac and orange — is the overpowering flavor of the cocktail, and I think it would have benefitted from a touch of something sweet, like grenadine. But as is, the PUSHKIN’S PUNCH was a perfect way to celebrate not only a fine Wednesday, but also this week’s National Teacher Day, another group famous for the duels they fight.

Drink Up^

Cocktail Connie