Grapes & Roses gets a tarragon twist

Thanks to my new neighbor, who brought me a bundle of herbs she grew, I can make this beverage. Keep reading, and you’ll get the recipe.

This is what I learned about Pisco Portion: By Peruvian law, this spirit must be blended from one or a blend of eight specific grape varieties grown in Peru; Pisco means “little bird” to Quechua Indians; It was invented in the 1600s; and Pisco is also a port town from which the drink was first imported. I find the clear stuff light and it puts me in the mind of grass and citrus. Old as it is, it’s something new for me to play with. Here’s an idea from the makers:

Grapes & Roses

1 ½ parts Pisco Porton

4 muddled grapes

¾ part grape juice

1 tarragon branch

½ part lemon juice

½ part simple syrup

4 drops rose water

In a mixing glass, muddle the grapes and tarragon and then add the rest of the ingredients. Add ice and shake really well. Strain into a chilled martini glass and garnish with rose petals.

Coffee Break

Orange Carpet Magic, Not Your Average Joe and Glorious Day are names as fun as race horses get. These go to Ponderosa Roasting creations out of California. I’m a New Day fan, made by a couple who believes we are all racing around so much that we need to enjoy simple pleasures, like good coffee. They invented a touch-screen roaster and then got into the supply side. Cheryl Guildner has her e-mail right on the pouch: chery@ponderosaroasting.com. You have got to be proud of your product to stand by it like that. They’ve created blends for an Academy Awards event and support Coffees with a Cause.

Pomarita

POM Wonderful 100 % Pomegranate Juice comes in little travel sizes for road trips. Makers have recipes from adult beverages to chicken dinner and I’ve got a tip of my own. A dash of this juice makes cheap boxed wine better. I’ve been having some straight up and also used as a flavoring for orange juice and sugar-free lemonade. A bottle of their antioxidant super tea, flavored with lychee, is what I grabbed to ease my allergy haze. I’m sure you’ve heard this pomegranate juice is good for you. Now, here’s an idea from the bottlers:

Frozen Pomarita

1 ounce freshly squeezed pomegranate juice* or POM Wonderful 100% Pomegranate Juice


1 ounce tequila


1 ounce triple sec liqueur


3/4 oz. fresh lime juice


1 1/2 ounce simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water dissolved together in cold water)


Salt and lime for garnish (optional)

Preparation:
Shake all drink ingredients with ice to chill.

Serve this pomegranate cocktail recipe in a martini glass prepared as follows:
Mix in a bowl, one part ground cinnamon and one part granulated sugar.
Moisten the rim of a martini glass by swiping a slice of orange around the rim.
Dust glass rim with the sugared cinnamon mixture and decorate with a spiral of orange.



Notes:
* This cocktail can be made with freshly squeezed juice from a POM Wonderful Pomegranate or by using POM Wonderful 100% Pomegranate Juice. To juice the pomegranate, cut it in half (as you would a grapefruit) and juice using a citrus reamer or a juicer. Pour mixture through a cheesecloth-lined strainer or sieve. One large POM Wonderful Pomegranate will produce about 1/2 cup of juice.

ddoiron@panews.com