I am a seasonal sort of diner. I like salads and fresh fruits with my meals during warm weather. As the weather turns chilly, I discard salads in favor of soups, stews, and other warm dishes. I also vary the ingredients that I use by season.
As fall is in full swing, I have been in a cranberry frame of mind when it comes to meals and drinks. Last week I enjoyed a delicious turkey sandwich that included cranberry sauce. I also have been incorporating cranberry juice into my drinks.
Although, I do like the classic combination of cranberry juice and vodka, I thoroughly enjoy creating new beverages. I mull over ingredients, seeking the flavors that best complement each other. For this new drink, I wanted the tartness of cranberry to be contrasted with the sweetness of raspberry. Once shaken and poured, I decided it could be lighter, so I added a float of lemon-lime seltzer.
And with that, I had created a drink that had a subtle hint of fall, containing just enough cranberry to make a drink with raspberry liquor taste like a fall classic.
Martini with a Hint of Fall
2 oz. vodka
2 oz. raspberry liqueur
1 oz. cranberry juice (preferably 100% pure)
1/2 oz. lime juice
1/2 oz. simple syrup
1 oz. lemon-lime seltzer
Fill a martini shaker with ice. Add vodka, liqueur, both juices, and syrup. Cover, and shake well. Pour into martini glass, and add seltzer.




