This refreshing vodka cocktail, from chef Rachel Klein's friend Julie Weinberg, gets its incredible floral flavor from essential oil. Even a drop or two is powerful.
ingredients
1 1/2 cups warm water
1/2 cup sugar
2 drops jasmine essential oil (see Note)
1/2 cup fresh lime juice
1 1/2 cups orange vodka
1 1/2 cups Grand Marnier
Ice cubes
3 cups chilled club soda
12 lime twists (optional)
directions
In a small pitcher, combine the water and sugar and stir well to dissolve the sugar. Gently stir in the jasmine essential oil and lime juice.
In a pitcher, combine the vodka with the Grand Marnier and jasmine syrup. Add the ice and stir briskly until the glass begins to frost, then strain into chilled martini glasses. Top each drink with 1/4 cup of the club soda and garnish with a lime twist.
NOTES Pure jasmine essential oil is available at most health food stores and from essentialthree.com; 888-482-7662.