Juice Of A Few Flowers

I love a good girly cocktail. I always have. My first alcoholic drink I had when I was 21 (or maybe a little younger) was an amaretto sour- the same first drink of so many other women I know. I loved the sweetness and how you really couldn't taste the alcohol. But now that I am older and have to pay my own bills, I like a little kick in my cocktails. 

So when I saw this recipe by Ms. Garten that has one cup of "good" vodka, I thought I might give it a try. First, I love the name of the drink. Very girly. Second, it's very fresh and in fact, very versatile. It tastes fabulous with the vodka, but you could substitute the vodka for gin, champagne or Prosecco. It tastes just like summer without any alcohol. Very refreshing...

Making the drink involves juicing some fruit, so I have one quick tip. Place the fruit in between a set of tongs. Think of any frustrations you might be having at the moment and squeeze the tongs together. You will be amazed at the amount of the juice you will get...

Here is what you need an what to do:

1 cup good vodka

1/2 cup fresh orange juice (2 oranges)

1/2 cup fresh grapefruit juice (1 grapefruit)

1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (1 to 1 1/2 lemons)

1/4 cup fresh lime juice (2 limes) 

This drink is best served really cold, so it's good to put the drinking glasses in the freezer about 30 minutes ahead of time. Juice the fruit into a pitcher and add the vodka. I put a strainer on top of the pitcher so that it would catch the seeds and pulp of the fruit. Stir everything together. Fill a shaker with ice and fill it 3/4 of the way up with the drink. Shake it for a full 30 seconds. Your hands will be frozen, but it's worth it. Promise. Pour the drink into the glasses. I planned to add a sprig of mint for garnish, but I liked the lime slice better. Either will work though. I also garnished the tray with lime zest for a little added flair. 

The vodka is quite potent in this drink, so add a little less vodka or dilute it with sparking water if you can't take the heat!

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