Grapefruit, Lime and Maraschino Martini

Grapefruit, Lime and Maraschino Martini
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The winter solstice this past year was December 21; when the sun reaches the most southerly declination. It marks the day of the year with the least hours of daylight; the official start of winter. Though we can certainly anticipate more winter weather in Colorado, for me the winter solstice also signals the beginning of the end; the days after this moment in time get longer every day and we can appreciate the advent of spring as the next season to celebrate; my personal favorite time of the year.

It’s this same time of the year that citrus starts to play a bigger role in our food choices. With good reason in particular in the warmer parts of the country as lemons, limes, tangerines and grapefruit ripen and become plentiful, however, I find myself craving them as if they were growing in my garden yet there is not one tree within hundreds of miles of me. After the season of gluttony, I look forward to lighter dishes and especially love salad dressings and cocktails that  include the brightness that is brought to our palate by citrus. If you are lucky enough to have a tree (or several) of Meyer lemons, please, please do not lament to me that you simply can not use all of the little beauties coming from your tree. That is not a problem. You can make lemonade or if it would help, you can send some of them to me! :)

I purchased grapefruits and limes from the market a couple of days ago so inspiration for this cocktail came from seeing that fruit bowl on the counter. I really wanted to concentrate on the grapefruit; it’s sort of become my new favorite citrus. To balance the tartness of the juice I decided to add some maraschino liqueur. I recently made some of my own maraschino cherries for holiday gifts which are simply cherries that soak in Maraschino liqueur; once you try these beauties there is no going back.

There might be some that would take me to task for calling a cocktail without either gin or vermouth a martini and I get it, I really do; purists have their cause and all. However, I can’t get beyond that word for something served in a conventional glass shape that we have come to know as a martini glass! Vodkatini? Nope, can’t do it. So I’ll continue to call any beverage I serve in a martini glass a martini and just ask that you try this; it will bring a bit of sunshine into the dreary days of winter and we can anticipate spring together!

Grapefruit, Lime and Maraschino Martini

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Yield: 2 cocktails

A little tart, a little sweet and a homemade maraschino cherry!

Ingredients

  • 2 oz vodka
  • 2 oz fresh squeezed grapefruit juice
  • 1/2 lime, juiced
  • 4 tsp maraschino liqueur
  • Garnish - grapefruit, lime and cherry

Preparation

  1. Shake all ingredients except garnish with ice and strain into 2 cocktail glasses. Thread the garnish onto a long skewer and place on rim.
http://www.creative-culinary.com/grapefruit-lime-and-maraschino-martini/

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{ 66 comments… read them below or add one }

1 Amy July 14, 2012 at 2:33 pm

Hi!
This looks amazing but I can’t find the maraschino liqueur anywhere. I live in Denver and was wondering if you had any suggestions?

Thanks!
Amy

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2 Creative Culinary July 14, 2012 at 3:58 pm

Amy, I’m pretty sure I got mine from Heritage Liquors on Arapahoe Road (think it’s Centennial; just a bit west of I25). I called there to see if they had some but they’re out; they’re going to check availability and get back to me and I’ll let you know. I love the Luxardo…I made my own maraschino cherries and once you do…those nasty artificial bottled things will never be on your list again!

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3 Lindsay @ Rosemarried February 5, 2012 at 7:28 pm

I have all of these ingredients at home right now, but I’ve never thought to pair maraschino with grapefruit! I am going to make this cocktail asap!

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4 Creative Culinary February 6, 2012 at 1:31 am

Well, I am late to your party or I would have joined you! I’m playing hooky with Recipe Swap this month; too many things converged at one time…so thanks for dropping by.

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5 Lisa Montalva January 25, 2012 at 6:19 pm

I had a gathering last weekend at my home and made these for a group of 20! It was spectacular.

Lisa aka The Gourmet Mom

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6 Creative Culinary January 25, 2012 at 6:25 pm

Thank you so much for taking the time to let me know Lisa; I love nothing more than having a reader enjoy something I’ve done as much as I did!

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7 Janet January 17, 2012 at 8:45 am

This is printing as I type- you had me at citrus. I crave it like crazy this time of year. You’ve even inspired me to seek out and plant a lime and a Meyer lemon tree! Must have my own stash pronto!
Janet Most Recent Post: Oatmeal Cinnamon Chip and Walnut Breakfast Cookies, and Southern NY Tier Flood Relief

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8 Creative Culinary January 18, 2012 at 2:08 pm

Maybe only us landlocked high plainers really crave it the most? You know…we really want something that is harder to get. Not that we can’t get citrus but really good citrus? Not always.

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9 Amber | Bluebonnets & Brownies January 16, 2012 at 9:51 pm

I’m not normally a fan of grapefruit, but I think the addition of Maraschino cherries is just the right flavor to bring it back around to something I would love. Beautiful photos, Barb.
Amber | Bluebonnets & Brownies Most Recent Post: Sweet Potato and Collard Greens Frittata with Smoked Cheddar

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10 Creative Culinary January 17, 2012 at 12:21 am

It made all the difference Amber; my friend Karen thought it a bit tart…a bit more of the maraschino liqueur made her happy!

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11 vianney January 16, 2012 at 12:31 am

This is stunning…citrus is at it’s best here in South texas. I am loving every ruby red grapefruit that passes my lips.. thanks
vianney Most Recent Post: Avocado Dulce de Leche Muffins

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12 Creative Culinary January 17, 2012 at 12:39 am

I’m jealous! I’m thinking of getting a little Meyer lemon tree that I would have to bring inside during the winter because other than that, citrus and places with snow are not compatible. :)

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13 Melissa January 15, 2012 at 3:53 pm

Gorgeous photo and a very enticing recipe. I love grapefruit. Now if only I had the liqueur in-house.

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14 Creative Culinary January 16, 2012 at 7:34 pm

I’ve heard some comment they might just use the juice from regular maraschino cherries would would be OK…sure not the same as this amazing liqueur but would add that touch of sweetness that is necessary.

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15 angela@spinachtiger January 15, 2012 at 1:28 pm

I”m not just saying this. This drink is up my alley. I love the color pink and it goes from there. I’ll be talking to you tomorrow Barb.P.S. I love how the fruit casts a shadow in your drink. Nice Pic.
angela@spinachtiger Most Recent Post: Spinach Tiger Fit Chicken Noodle Soup

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16 Creative Culinary January 16, 2012 at 7:33 pm

I loved the color too…and it didn’t taste bad either! Good talking to you!

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17 Jen Schall January 14, 2012 at 9:21 pm

Oh, this is just gorgeous, Barb! I am a HUGE martini fan, and grapefruit is my favorite citrus. I’m loving this.
Jen Schall Most Recent Post: Friday Favorites – Episode 119

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18 Creative Culinary January 17, 2012 at 12:40 am

You make the grilled cheese and I’ll meet you halfway with the martini…deal?

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19 Jamie | My Baking Addiction January 14, 2012 at 4:41 pm

I love the fact that you are already playing with citrus – this drink sounds incredibly refreshing. We are just now starting to get our first glimpse of winter here in Ohio, so this post definitely brought a little sunshine to my evening!
Jamie | My Baking Addiction Most Recent Post: S’mores Truffles

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20 Creative Culinary January 14, 2012 at 4:59 pm

It brought some sunshine to my morning the other day…but I was good and saved it for getting together with friends later that evening. No drunk tweeting on the job for me!

It is just that too…refreshing. Light, not boozy. Really was a perfect cocktail. It’s definitely tart as defined but my friend Karen just put a touch more of the maraschino liqueur into her potion and that suited her sweet tooth just fine too.

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21 Sylvie @ Gourmande in the Kitchen January 14, 2012 at 12:53 pm

You always have the best cocktails and this one sounds so light and crisp with the grapefruit juice.
Sylvie @ Gourmande in the Kitchen Most Recent Post: Green Lemonade | Juicing for Health

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22 Creative Culinary January 14, 2012 at 1:53 pm

We need to do a mutual cocktail/appetizer post one day. People want me to do appetizers too but it’s all I can do to get the drink made! Thanks Sylvie; it’s become something I really enjoy.

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23 Jayne January 14, 2012 at 11:46 am

This sounds amazing! I look forward to trying it! Lovely pictures too.
Jayne Most Recent Post: Healthy Green Soup

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24 Creative Culinary January 14, 2012 at 1:54 pm

Thanks Jayne; it’s simple and sometimes, especially this time of year, after the holidays when something more simple is just perfect. Thanks for stopping by.

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25 Anne-Marie @ This Mama Cooks! January 14, 2012 at 11:32 am

The photographs are just stunning, Barb.
Anne-Marie @ This Mama Cooks! Most Recent Post: Enter the Udi’s Gluten Free “New Year, New You” video contest! #gfcommunity

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26 Creative Culinary January 14, 2012 at 1:52 pm

Thanks so much Anne Marie; it’s been a learning process certainly as I never took that many photos prior to doing them for this blog so compliments are truly music to my ‘I’ve learned this by the seat of my pants’ ears!

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27 Jamie January 14, 2012 at 11:31 am

Very pretty cocktail. I’m not a cocktail drinker but then maybe I need to be sitting around with a group of girlfriends for a drink, a nibble and a good gossip? Love citrus! Yum!
Jamie Most Recent Post: GALETTE DES ROIS – King’s Cake

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28 Creative Culinary January 14, 2012 at 1:50 pm

That has to change. The day comes were are all together…it will be cause for celebration AND a cocktail!

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29 Paula January 13, 2012 at 9:08 pm

This is a bright glass of Spring! I think this is a martini that I’d really enjoy, especially with that maraschino cherry liqueur in it.
Paula Most Recent Post: Tin Tin…the Cookies

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30 Creative Culinary January 14, 2012 at 11:52 am

My friends loved it. It’s light and citrusy and with a definite tang. A new favorite for sure. C’mon over…have one with me!

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31 Lora ~ cakeduchess January 13, 2012 at 8:52 pm

I want to be there for Lana’s cocktail party in Cali. :)I’m ready for a Friday night martini. Love the grapefruit and maraschino liqueur. cheer-cin cin:)
Lora ~ cakeduchess Most Recent Post: Torta di Marzapane e Marmellata-Orange Marzipan Cake

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32 Creative Culinary January 14, 2012 at 11:52 am

Right now today; the warmth of California is sure appealing isn’t it? Let’s go girlfriend!

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33 Jennifer January 13, 2012 at 8:25 pm

Sounds delicious. And now I have a reason to use my maraschino liquor and my own homemade maraschino cherries. I also agree that anything served up in a martini glass should be called a martini, especially since I rarely ever put gin in my martinis. I’m straight up a vodka girl.
Jennifer Most Recent Post: Corpse Reviver Cocktail

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34 Creative Culinary January 14, 2012 at 11:54 am

All I can say is YES!

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35 Kristina January 13, 2012 at 7:55 pm

I love grapefruit cocktails, for both the bright tart flavor and the great color! :)
Kristina Most Recent Post: caramelized onion bacon dip

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36 Creative Culinary January 14, 2012 at 11:55 am

Even though the liqueur made it a bit pinker…it really wasn’t much and I was pleasantly surprised at how pretty the juice from pink grapefruit turned out to be. A whew moment for sure.

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37 Terra January 13, 2012 at 7:48 pm

Gorgeous! I love citrus love:-) I have never had maraschino liqueur, which is crazy since I adore maraschino cherries:-) Love the flavor combinations, the bitter of the grapefruit and the sweet of the cherries sounds fantastic together! Cheers my friend! Hugs, Terra

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38 Creative Culinary January 14, 2012 at 1:31 pm

Try the liqueur than try making your own cherries and you will never go back to the store bought bright red ones again. Promise!

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39 Jersey Girl Cooks January 13, 2012 at 7:33 pm

Your drinks always look do good! can I come to your house for happy hour?

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40 Creative Culinary January 14, 2012 at 12:02 pm

Absolutely anytime. Just a wee bit of notice and I’ll open the bar and serve you whatever you want!

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41 sippitysup January 13, 2012 at 7:24 pm

Citrus is ripening on my yard as we type. Yet I find myself craving those beautiful maraschino cherries. Those are no formaldehyde yuckos! GREG
sippitysup Most Recent Post: Root-A-Toot-Toot-A-Baga: Rutabaga Puree

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42 Creative Culinary January 14, 2012 at 12:05 pm

Making my own maraschino cherries has been one thing I’ve loved about seeking food adventures. So easy Greg, ridiculously easy even. You can use fresh cherries in the spring, but these were packaged in a glass jar in light syrup. I rinsed them well and let them dry a bit and then immersed them in Luxardo maraschino liqueur. I not only love their subtle taste but now that I’m used to the darker color and softer end result, those other things are simply like eating plastic. Try it!

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43 Vanessa July 17, 2012 at 10:33 am

How long must the cherries soak?

At any point is refrigeration required?

Thanks,

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44 Creative Culinary July 17, 2012 at 2:08 pm

I’m making some now using fresh cherries and will leave them for two weeks. I don’t worry in winter so much but in summer I think it’s better to be safe and keep them in the fridge. They won’t last long. :)

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45 Culture-ist magazine January 13, 2012 at 6:22 pm

Looks delicious…A fantastic way to end a very chilly Friday the 13th!
Culture-ist magazine Most Recent Post: Food Trending Forecast: Marshmallows are the New Cupcakes

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46 Creative Culinary January 14, 2012 at 12:06 pm

Yes, I was warding away the evil 13th spirits! It seems to have worked. Whew.

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47 Cindy January 13, 2012 at 5:24 pm

Hmmm… that’s what I call delicious! Just give me one, please! Right now, please!:)

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48 Creative Culinary January 14, 2012 at 12:10 pm

Get here in five and I’ll have one made. Now GO!!

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49 Tickled Red January 13, 2012 at 12:47 pm

Oh that looks good! This will be so good tonight while I’m catching up on White Collar reruns and watching sappy movies. Surferboy’s off on an adventure is beautiful Barbados. Good thing this recipe makes more than one glass ;D
Tickled Red Most Recent Post: Greek Rubbed Pork Tenderloin

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50 Creative Culinary January 14, 2012 at 12:07 pm

Lucky surfer boy! But then have a couple of years and he’ll be envious of you. :)

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51 Lana January 13, 2012 at 12:40 pm

Between you, Nancy (A Communal Table) and Pam (My Man’s Belly), I can host a wonderful cocktail party, with glamorous looking and tasty drinks:) It’s sunny here in SoCal, but this martini (I am not a purist:) can brighten any gray day.
BTW, a couple of weeks ago several of LA food bloggers (including me) went to Melisa’s Produce warehouse for a great lunch and an educational primer on seasonal produce. they served juice from cocktail grapefruit that was sweet and orange, unlike any grapefruit I have ever tasted. I like bitterness of grapefruit, but this would be a nice change.
Have a great weekend, Barb!
Lana Most Recent Post: Getting a Rise

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52 Creative Culinary January 14, 2012 at 11:49 am

I go through periods of ignoring grapefruit and then wonder why…I do love them. This cocktail has a nice tart punch; I like the color and just touch of sweet that the Maraschino Liqueur brings to it…without I think the pucker power would be overwhelming! I’m ready for a party. A spring party. :)

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53 Rachel @ Not Rachael Ray January 13, 2012 at 12:06 pm

I love anything with grapefruit. This looks delicious!
Rachel @ Not Rachael Ray Most Recent Post: Kahlua-Cinnamon Brownies

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54 Creative Culinary January 14, 2012 at 11:50 am

I think my renewed love affair with grapefruit actually started last year when I made a marinade for flank steak using grapefruit because I had it on hand. It was so good, the meat was SO tender…and I’m was impressed enough to not forget it again!

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55 Kiran @ KiranTarun.com January 13, 2012 at 10:45 am

Mmm.. what a refreshing martini! I can’t wait to fully recover from a terrible cold to enjoy a glass ( or two ;)
Kiran @ KiranTarun.com Most Recent Post: Cinnamon Pear Loaf

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56 Creative Culinary January 13, 2012 at 11:24 am

Now you do know that Vitamin C is good for a cold right? :)

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57 Lisa January 13, 2012 at 10:13 am

This needs a name…like cranberry-vodka = tartini’s etc. Citrini? Naah, but I’ll think of something! I think I want to start imbibing a little…not in an ‘alkie’ way, just a kick off the heels, languid ‘Martini or cocktail after work’ way. As always, a beautiful, delicious Friday buzz. Still craving the Vootbeer!
Lisa Most Recent Post: Orange Lacquered Chicken for #citruslove

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58 Creative Culinary January 13, 2012 at 11:14 am

How about Grapefruitini – reminded me of trying to spell Mississippi! Truth is, I imbibe very little. Never alone and even with friends always in moderation. Having a mother who imbibed a lot will do that to you! I love a great cocktail with emphasis on the ‘a’ part. :)

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59 Priscilla-She's Cookin' January 13, 2012 at 8:05 am

Although we have an abundance of citrus any time of year, I look forward to this time of year with Meyer Lemons and the best of the tangerines and grapefruits. And, I love grapefruit martinis and agree, if it’s served in a martini glass, it’s a martini! Usually I prefer tart over sweet and am not a maraschino cherry fan – but I bet your homemade ones could change that. The weekend is off to a great start :)
Priscilla-She’s Cookin’ Most Recent Post: Le Saotico – Paris

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60 Creative Culinary January 13, 2012 at 10:08 am

You should try making your own maraschino cherries; really easy and so much better than those artificial things we normally are used to. Even with a bit of the maraschino liqueur this is still a nice, tart drink. One friend needed it a bit sweeter and we doctored hers a bit but that reminds me of how I season everything…I would rather err on the side of too little and correct it than overdo and wish I could take away.

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61 Jane Bauer January 13, 2012 at 8:00 am

The drink is fantastic! Thank you Barb for serving it to me last night. The flavor is so refreshing with the citrus blending beautifully. Even though citrus is in season now I think this would be excellent for a summer cocktail party on the patio

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62 Creative Culinary January 13, 2012 at 10:06 am

I agree Jane…really any blend of citrus juices with a bit of the sweet maraschino liqueur and vodka would be perfect anytime, don’t you think? Guess what I had for breakfast this morning? Yes I did…I mean it does have croissants in it right? :)

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63 kelley {mountain mama cooks} January 13, 2012 at 7:23 am

Hooray for citrus season! And hip hip hooray for grapefruit cocktails. Can you say Friday cocktail hour? :)
kelley {mountain mama cooks} Most Recent Post: Weeknight Pasta Puttanesca

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64 Creative Culinary January 13, 2012 at 10:05 am

Yes I can! I actually made this in the morning and it would have gone VERY easily right then and there. Thankfully I had friends coming over for drinks, so was a good girl and saved it for them too…but it would be a nice change from the requisite bloody Mary for a morning libation

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65 Lana @ Never Enough Thyme January 13, 2012 at 6:48 am

Lovely cocktail, Barb. Perfect for a winter evening. Like you, I’m looking forward to longer days and warmer weather.
Lana @ Never Enough Thyme Most Recent Post: Peas and Greens Soup

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66 Creative Culinary January 13, 2012 at 10:03 am

I love Colorado but in truth I love Colorado summers. I’m not a skier so this winter stuff is for the birds. I’m ready for a change for sure!

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