The "44" Cocktail

So in honor of Jools Sinclair's recent visit to my blog, I created a cocktail inspired by her books. This is called the "44," and it's named after Jools' wonderful series by the same name. It uses Crater Lake Vodka made by the Bend Distillery, a company based in the same town that the 44 series takes place. It also has black cherry juice, which gives it a kind of murky look -- I imagine kind of like the lake that Abby Craig drowns in at the beginning of the series. Also, it uses Earl Grey simple syrup, which is fitting because Abby and her sister Kate drink a lot of tea. Plus, I think the whole series has a very classic English ghost story feel to it, which the Earl Grey simple syrup represents.

So here's the recipe if you'd like to recreate the 44 at home. I think this would also be a killer drink for Halloween, if you're thinking that far ahead. Happy drinking!

The "44" Cocktail

2 ounces of Crater Lake Vodka

2 1/2 ounces of black cherry juice

1/2 ounce of Earl Grey simple syrup*

Add all the ingredients in cocktail shaker with lots of ice. Shake until well mixed and icy cold, then strain into a martini glass. Drink while reading the latest book in the 44 series. Bottoms up!

* To make the Earl Grey simple syrup, combine 1/2 a cup of sugar and 1/2 a cup of water in a saucepan. Simmer it until sugar grains dissolve completely. Add an Earl Grey tea bag to cooling syrup, and let steep. Keep refrigerated.

Next on the blog, I make an exciting announcement about my next book. Check back in soon!