Like most people my tastes have changed with time.  I used to prefer my mixed drinks to be sweet and didn’t mind if they were heavy.  My former favorite drinks were frozen strawberry dacquiris, White Russians, and espresso-tinis.  However, now most of those drinks are on my list of drinks to avoid.

Although my tastes have changed, there are some similarities.  I still do enjoy a hint of sweetness in my drinks.  And if there were to be any theme to the variety of drinks that I like, it would be that they include fruit flavors.  The differences are that I no longer enjoy a drink that is heavy with cream or syrupy ingredients.  Also, unless I am indulging on a hot day by a pool, I usually avoid frozen drinks.

Recently, I have noticed that I like my drinks less and less sweet, although I have not gotten to the point where I am requesting a classic martini or vodka and tonic.  With that thought in mind, I created the Vodka and Tonic Restyled.  While this  may not have been my grandfather’s sort of concoction, it is simple, light, and refreshing.  Served over ice, it is a wonderful way to quench your thirst while  you sit on the front porch swing.

Vodka and Tonic Restyled

ice

1-1/2 oz. kiwi-strawberry infused vodka

berry seltzer

1 maraschino cherry

Fill martini shaker with ice, and add vodka.*  Shake for a minimum of 20 seconds.  Fill a highball glass with ice, and add vodka.  Top with seltzer, and stir.  Add cherry (and a teaspoon of its juice for a pinch of flavor, if desired), and enjoy!

*As nothing is being combined in the shaker, you can omit this step.  However, this step lowers the temperature of the vodka, creating a wonderfully chilled cocktail.