Vodka Rosemary Lemonade Fizz

When life gives you lemons...make vodka rosemary lemonade fizz. Since this past week was pretty crappy, I knew I wanted to have a nice relaxing weekend. I still have a surplus of lemons from my favorite Mexican and when I saw this post on TasteSpotting the other day, I knew I would have to make it while sitting outside and enjoying the beautiful sunshine. Unfortunately, my apartment doesn't get a lot of light and it was rather windy and cool yesterday, but nevertheless it was a beautiful day and this cocktail is amazing. Remember back when I made the lemon-rosemary sorbet? Well maybe you don't, but this recipe is basically that in a drink form. So refreshing and perfect for warm weather and even though it has cooled down considerably from the unbearable heat last weekend, it was perfect for my Saturday out on my patio with Us Weekly (and of course my new Gourmet and Saveur) and some tunes.

I'm off to the farmers market and then the LA Times Festival of Books so Raul can stalk Giada and I can hopefully stalk Curtis Stone. Enjoy your Sunday!



Vodka Rosemary Lemonade Fizz
(From Gourmet, May 2009)

Makes 8 servings

1 cup fresh lemon juice
1 cup sugar (I used a little less than 1 cup)
2 (8-inch) rosemary sprigs, plus extra for garnish
1/2 cup (or more, to taste) vodka
Chilled club soda or seltzer

Bring lemon juice, sugar, and rosemary to a boil in a small saucepan, stirring until the sugar has dissolved, then reduce heat and simmer 2 minutes. Cool completely, about 1 hour. Discard rosemary sprigs.

Fill glass halfway with ice. Pour about 2-3 tablespoons of lemon syrup and add 1-2 tablespoons vodka. Top with selzter and stir. Garnish with rosemary sprigs.