Good Libations and Good Vibrations: Citrus Night

Last Saturday evening, I threw my second Good Libations Good Vibrations cocktail party. This time around, I was working on a shoestring budget, so instead of stocking my bar with anything new I had to work with what I already had. There was a huge bottle of Absolut Ruby Red vodka in my cabinet, so the theme of the evening became "Citrus Night."

 

I'm discovering that one of my favorite things about prepping for a GLGV night, is carefully setting up the libations, glassware and garnishes in a manner that is easily accessible for my guests and pleasing to my eye. Yes...years of retail have turned me into a neurotic display snob - but what a handy trait for hostessing!  

I offered three drinks. First - a citrusy martini made with the Ruby Red vodka, homemade limoncello, lime juice and thyme. I found it to be a bit tart for my tastes, but the boys in our crew enjoyed it. (I'm going back to the drawing board before offering the recipe here). Second, the Mon Petit Miel, a favorite cocktail of mine, was a HUGE hit with the guests. We thoroughly killed a bottle of St. Germain!

The last recipe, The Morocco via Jen Altman on Design*Sponge, was new to me and quite delicious. One of the reasons behind embarking on this series of cocktail nights was to challenge myself to make cocktails that require some extra preparation and care. For the Morocco - I prepared a coriander honey simple syrup, to be used as a sweetener in the drink. Isn't it pretty?



The final beverage is orange-y with herbal overtones from the coriander syrup and the bitters. Though enjoyable as is, I found that doubling the amount of syrup per cocktail was more to my taste. I also think the Morocco would be delicious served heated, like a spiked cider. I look forward to trying that out sometime in the future (and reporting back, of course)!

As for the "vibrations" part of the evening my guests and spinned a little Saturday Night Fever, Billy Joel, Kingston Trio, and Paul Simon (Graceland) as we enjoyed our drinks. Round two was successful, I love that I am making a point of entertaining more (#13 on 29before30) and I can't wait to set a date for May!

So readers...two questions for you:

1) What are some of your favorite citrusy drink recipes? I would love it if you would write them down or link to them in the comments!

2) I'm thinking of making May's theme "Margarita Night" as a late ode to Cinco de Mayo. Any tequila drinkers out there? What are your favorite brands?