Neopolitan

A sophisticated cocktail combining vodka, homemade lemon verbena syrup, and unsweetened cranberry juice, garnished with fresh orange peel and rosemary for an elegant finish.

1 servings
1 hr 34 min

Ingredients

  • ounces vodka
  • ¼ ounce lemon verbena syrup
  • 3 ounces unsweetened cranberry juice
  • 1 piece orange peel
  • 1 sprig rosemary
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cup superfine sugar
  • 21½ leaves fresh lemon verbena

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    In heavy medium saucepan over medium heat, stir together water and sugar until sugar dissolves. Simmer 3 minutes. Reduce heat to low, and add lemon verbena. Let steep 30 minutes, then strain and let cool. Cover and refrigerate syrup until cold, about 1 hour. Makes about 1 cup.

    93 min

  2. 2.

    In cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine vodka, lemon verbena syrup, and cranberry juice. Shake vigorously for about 6 seconds, then strain into 6-ounce cocktail glass. Garnish with orange peel and rosemary sprig, if using.

    1 min

  3. 3.

    If you can't find fresh lemon verbena, substitute the zest of 1 lemon, removed in strips with a vegetable peeler. Use an organic lemon if you can, or scrub it well before zesting to remove any pesticides.