Autumn Breeze for Heidi Davis

Autumn Breeze

 Recently my friend Heidi Davis gave me a bottle of Crater Lake Sweet Ginger Vodka. The following cocktail creation is for her. My friends I give you, The Autumn Breeze.

     First off we have the Sweet Ginger Vodka. Heidi, loves her vodka, and she loves baking. The more exotic the flavor pairings, the better.  My first introduction to her was a Chocolate, Orange, Chipotle cupcake. So this Sweet Ginger infused Vodka is just her thing. Note, when you consider ginger in reference to a cocktail you often think of a ginger ale or a ginger beer. However, the sweetened or candied aspect of this Sweet Ginger Vodka lends itself more to visions of ginger snaps and gingerbread cookies. This particular bottle was made by Bendistillery in Oregon. But there are other Ginger Vodkas out there, though they may be a bit rare to find. I know Skyy makes a Ginger infused Vodka.  

     To this we’ve added Aviation Gin, which is made by House Spirits Distillery here is Portland. This is a special cocktail, after all. I like Gin and Whiskey in the fall. Summer is filled with Rum, Pirate drinks with lots of citrus fruit and tropical awesomeness. But to me there is something about drinking a Blue Hawaiian in the fall that is taboo as that whole wearing white after Labor Day thing. During the Summer you want a cocktail they will cool you off and relax you. During the fall you want something that will warm your insides. But, it’s not time for hot toddies hot ciders and Irish Coffees yet. Though in my opinion any evening is fine for Irish Coffee…digressing. Warm the insides, play with the pallet, and mellow out the brain cells.

     Then we have our cranberry juice. Cranberry juice and vodka, cranberry juice and gin, both are just tasty, so, why not have both? Cranberries are definitely an element of fall and the holidays. Tart and sweet. And paring sooo nicely with our Sweet Ginger.

Lastly, our garnish. A flamed orange peel. Run the peel over the rim of a chilled martini glass. Then lay into the drink after it’s poured. The sweet and citrus really brings out the flavors in the gin, and my friend Heidi loves to chew on the orange peel in a cocktail. This cocktail is for her, so, orange peel.

     The Autumn Breeze is served up after being stirred or swirled in a cocktail shaker and strained into a martini glass, giving it a very classic look and feel. Enjoy.

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In a shaker with ice combine

1 ½ oz Sweet Ginger Infused Vodka

1 oz Aviation Gin (a good American Gin will do the trick)

2 oz Cranberry Juice

now swirl the shaker or use a bar spoon to stir it thoroughly chilling the drink

using a paring knife or peeler cut a small section of orange peel

run the inside of this along the rim of a chilled martini glass

strain the cocktail into the glass and lay the orange peel on top