Who doesn't love a cherry kiss?
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Here’s another original creation by yours truly. I just kept staring at that bottle of Cherry Heering and decided to use it in something new. I love the flavor of cherries, and I love Luxardo, but it’s a bit too sweet in most drinks. That’s what I like about Cherry Heering – it’s not too sweet, but you can’t just drink it by itself cuz it’s a bit syrupy. I needed some fruity flavors to balance it out, so I thought of Lillet, which is a nice delicate aromatized white wine, but the usual lemon or lime was too acidic and tart. I tried some fresh squeezed orange as a more delicate citrus tint and it turned out to be a perfect pairing with the Lillet, which is actually produced by combining wine with a macerated liqueur made from a blend of sweet and bitter oranges. And then naturally I had to add some vodka for a bit more of a punch. I used Grey Goose Cherry Noir first, and that worked out great, but I also tried it with Hangar One Mandarin Orange and Belvedere Wild Berry which is also good. Your choice – or make your own infusion! I’ve never made a cherry vodka, but I have made orange (very good) and blueberry (nothing special) and strawberry (tasty, but a bit sweet). Also, despite my attempt to cut the sweetness, this does come out on the sweet side. You might try cutting the Luxardo in half if you don’t want it too sweet. You can always add in more later if it doesn’t taste right. And have fun with the garnish – I tried to make mine look like lips for a kiss, but I bet you can do better!
2 oz. Lillet Blanc
1 oz. vodka (infused with orange, cherry or berry)
1 oz. Luxardo
1 oz. fresh squeezed orange
½ oz. Cherry Heering cherry liqueur
Orange twist garnish
Pour Lillet, vodka, Luxardo and orange into shaker with ice, stir for 1 minute, strain and pour into martini or aperitif glass, carefully pour Cherry Heering in to sink to bottom, garnish and serve.