Rose Martini

I created this martini a while ago, but haven't been able to find a single rose to pluck petals from for the garnish. So today, I found a pack of edible flowers at the Wedge Community Co-op and was happy to see a few rose petals in the mix.

The inspiration for this cocktail was Shaker's Rose Vodka (which is not available anymore). But I've had a bottle of it around for nearly 4 years now. It smells so much like perfume, that I think it's pretty much undrinkable by itself. But I was determined to find some mixture that made the stuff not only palatable, but tasty. I think I've succeeded. The following recipe is pretty much a delicious lychee flavored drink, but the rose comes through in the aftertaste for an interesting finish. Also the lychee flavor is very conducive of "flower" flavored drinks.

• 2 oz Vodka
• 1 oz Soho Lychee Liqueur
• 1 oz White Creme de Cocao
• 1 oz Shaker's Rose Vodka*
• 5 or 6 Drops of Grenadine
• Rose Petal

Chill an up glass with crushed ice and water. Shake the ingredients with ice in a shaker until it sweats. Strain into the glass and garnish by floating an organic rose petal in the drink.

* Since Shaker's Rose Vodka is no longer available, you could substitute Sputnik Rose Vodka or even rose water.