Miriam’s Cup

Miriam’s Cup: A New Passover Cocktail Tradition

The Passover seder is a much-beloved and time-honored tradition. Together, we gather around our tables and recount the story of the Exodus—slavery in Egypt, the ten plagues, and the marking of doorposts with the blood of a lamb. We also remember the escape from Pharaoh’s grip, the parting of the Sea of Reeds, the 40 years of wandering in the wilderness, and the arrival at the Promised Land.

In addition to the storytelling, this special tradition involves lots of songs, prayers, discussions, and ritual foods. Every family has its own tradition, but if you read most of the Hagaddah (the book that guides us through the Passover seder), you could be looking at 2+ hours for the first part of the seder. Add the meal and the second part of the seder, and it can easily stretch longer. Some families keep their seders going all night long!

With that in mind, and since I deeply value my sleep, I like to start the seder early and get things moving so that we can eat and go to bed at a decent hour. I remember one seder in recent memory when a Muslim guest was invited. It was also Ramadan, which meant we couldn’t start the seder until the end of the day’s fast. We started around 9:00 p.m., and by the time dinner was served (around 11:00 p.m.), there were more than a few hangry guests. (I was the hangriest one).

Add Miriam’s Cup to Your Holiday Table

Even with an early start time, though, I still like to serve a drink and some light snacks before the seder begins. It helps to stave off the pangs of hunger so that we can concentrate on—and enjoy—the beautiful seder rituals.

Hannah Moore brings us Miriam’s Cup, named for the modern ritual of adding a cup of water to the seder table to honor Miriam’s role in the Passover story. It also reminds us of the many contributions of women throughout history. This cocktail features the fruity, floral flavors of elderflower liqueur; fresh, citrusy grapefruit, tequila, and sparkling wine.

If you are observant of Passover dietary restrictions, please see the note below.

Tasting Miriam’s Cup: Light, Fresh, and Festive

Miriam’s Cup is light and fresh, just the thing to cleanse your palate before a festive meal. There is nothing like the scent of freshly-cut grapefruit mingling with the delicate aroma of elderflower. I hope you decide to enjoy a glass (or two) this Passover—but since we are also commanded to drink four glasses of wine during the seder meal, don’t forget to pace yourself!

Note on Passover Supervision:

Massenez Elderflower Liqueur can be found under kosher for Passover supervision. The more readily available St. Germain, while not produced under kosher supervision, is derived from elderflower blossoms and wine does not contain any ingredients forbidden during the holiday. Tequila, which is derived from agave, may also be consumed during Passover, and several are produced under rabbinic supervision. Sparkling wine is easily found wherever Passover-certified wines are sold.