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A vibrant Valentine’s Day cocktail from a beloved Honolulu restaurant

The wonders of pomegranate and vodka in the glass

Honolulu, Hawaii
Honolulu, Hawaii Philip Davis via Unsplash / Unsplash

February is just around the bend. With it comes all kinds of things we’ve eagerly been waiting to celebrate, from Black History Month and Super Bowl Sunday to the Winter Olympics and Valentine’s Day. That’s justification for a good beverage, whether it be a NA concoction or traditional cocktail.

Now, it’s not hard to daydream about Hawaii. The archipelago is full of stunning locales, incredible culture, and an aloha atmosphere that’s downright invigorating. So, we look to the Rainbow State for some inspiration as we transition into the month of February.

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There’s a delightful balance to this drink, with bright fruit anchored by a classic spirit. There’s even some nice texture by way of sparkling wine. Oh, and an eye-catching garnish.

The following comes from chef Ahu Hettema of Istanbul Hawai’i. It’s a lovely cocktail that does a lot with relatively little. Read on for details.

Flowers of Ephesus

There’s so much to love about this cocktail. If you want extra presentation points (as you should with any good Valentine’s Day cocktail), be sure to find an edible flower to garnish with. And if you need some spirits recommendations, check out some of our favorite high-end vodka options.

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 ounces vodka
  • 3/4 ounce fresh lemon juice
  • 3/4 ounce pomegranate syrup
  • Prosecco for topping

Method:

  1. Mix all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake vigorously until well chilled.
  2. Strain into a copper coupe glass.
  3. Top with fine Prosecco, allowing a gentle pour to preserve bubbles. Garnish with an edible flower for a graceful finish.
Mark Stock is a writer from Portland, Oregon. He fell into wine during the Recession and has been fixated on the stuff since… Read Full Bio
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