Heads up, Santa Clarita: spring is here! It’s time to pack heavier clothing into storage and put down your cozy‚ winter warmer cocktail. The long-awaited arrival of spring gives you a terrific excuse to break out your favorite light and breezy outfit and pony up to your local watering hole for a taste of sunshine in a glass.
We know you have spent the winter lounging by the fireside with the usual cold-weather fare (such as fortified wines and hot, over-proofed cocktails). Now, it’s time to take advantage of the fresh fruits that are coming into season. For a fun springtime cocktail, look no farther than the ultimate warm-weather drink: a classic Gin Rickey with a twist.
First, make sure your bartender is stocked with the fresh citrus juices and berries (strawberries or raspberries) that make this drink so universally beloved. Your bartender will muddle three berries and a small sprig of rosemary with 3/4 oz. of fresh lime juice, 1/2 oz of simple syrup, and 2 oz of your favorite gin. I prefer Nolet’s Silver, a Holland gin with a rich and fruity aroma with a classic dry finish.
The finale: a top-off with ice and soda water. At Roman Holiday Wine Lounge, we use Fever Tree club soda for its exuberant effervescence and delicate flavor. Once the bubbles are tickling the air over the glass, you’ll be enchanted. Then sit back and enjoy the good weather and great friends with this wonderfully light and refreshing cocktail.
If you would like to learn some dazzling bartending tricks or quirky liquor facts, Roman Holiday Wine Lounge will be holding cocktail classes on Saturdays throughout the summer starting in May. In the meantime, don’t be a stranger! Stop in and let us craft a fresh cocktail for you, made with top-shelf ingredients and tailored to your unique tastes.
Roman Holiday Wine Lounge is located at the Shops at the Patios (next to Macy’s), 24201 West Valencia Boulevard, Suite 3860 in Santa Clarita. For more information, please call 661-799-7221, email: chris@rhwinelounge.com and visit our website at www.rhwinelounge.com.