Rosy Lights, Eight Nights
About this Recipe
By: Hannah
Our favorite mixologist, Hannah Moore of Shabbat Cocktails, is back! This month, she’s bringing us a Hanukkah cocktail so festive, refreshing, and delicious that you’ll want to drink it for all eight nights of the Festival of Lights. Even if you do not celebrate Hanukkah, this cocktail would be a welcome addition to any holiday table.
This drink feels fun and festive, thanks to the bubbles and its rosy, pink hue. The taste is perfectly balanced, with a slight bitterness from the absinthe rinse, floral notes from elderflower and rose, sweetness from Cointreau and simple syrup, and tartness from the lemon.
If you are only make one or two drinks, it is easy to make this refreshing, slightly effervescent cocktail by purchasing miniature bottles of the alcohol recommended: gin (Hendricks would be perfect though pricey), Cointreau (or Grand Marnier), and absinthe.
And finally, if you are celebrating Hanukkah, don’t forget to make a batch of latkes to accompany your drink!
Some notes:
*Belvoir Elderflower and Rose Lemonade can be found online or at Whole Foods. If you cannot find it, you may substitue their simpler Elderflower Lemonade, or use sparkling lemonade with elderflower liqueur and rose water to taste. To achieve a pink hue without the Belvoir, select pink lemonade or top with sparkling rosé, such as Crémant de Loire.
If you prefer to make a mocktail, simply use the flavored lemonade as the base, add lemon juice to brighten it up, and top with a bit of seltzer. This can be served over ice.
Rosy Lights, Eight Nights
Ingredients
- 1-2 teaspoons absinthe (optional)
- 1 ounce (30mL) gin (for a stronger drink, increase by ½ ounce or 15mL)
- ¾ ounce (20mL) Cointreau or Curaçao
- ¾ ounce (20mL) lemon juice
- ¼ ounce (7mL) simple syrup
- 1 ½ ounce Belvoir Elderflower and Rose Lemonade*
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1
- Prepare your cocktail glasses (I like to use Champagne coupes for this drink) by freezing them for about 30 minutes prior to use.
Step 2
- Add a teaspoon or two of absinthe to rinse the inside of the glass, discarding the excess.
Step 3
- Shake the gin, Cointreau, lemon juice, and simple syrup together over ice and strain into your chilled cocktail glass.Pour in the flavored lemonade. If desired, use an orange peel and twist over the glass, then drop into the drink. Enjoy immediately!
