Photography by James Kim

Snowed in for the Holidays …

By Natalie Bovis-Nelsen (AKA: TheLiquidMuse.com)

What turns up the heat on chilly nights and blustery days better than a cool cocktail? Spice up the same old humdrum holiday cheer with this exotic drink, created by D.C. bartender Gina Chersevani at Rasika, in Penn Quarter. If you’re not headed to the District anytime soon, follow this recipe and try making it for your own red-hot holiday party!

Spicy Queen Martini
2 ounces infused Snow Queen vodka*
1 1/2 ounces Cointreau
1 ounce Pom juice
1 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 teaspoon powdered sugar
1 egg white
Edible orchid or Kashmiri chilies

*Infuse 6-star fruit and 2 Kashmiri chilies in a one-liter bottle of Snow Queen vodka. Let sit for at least 24 hours to reach full flavor.

Thoroughly shake all ingredients in a cocktail shaker (10-15 times), then strain into a 6-ounce (or larger) martini glass. Garnish with an edible orchid and/or a Kashmiri chili.

(December 2007)