Fashioned

There's a magical time of day, just as the sun begins to dip below the horizon, that we call the golden hour. It's a time for winding down, reflecting, and enjoying the simple pleasures. It's for this exact moment that the Sunset Citrus was created—a cocktail that captures the beauty of a summer evening in a glass.

The Story Behind the Sip

I first mixed this drink on a warm evening on my patio, surrounded by friends. I wanted to create something that was both refreshing and complex, a drink that tasted like summer itself. After a few experiments with blood orange, grapefruit, and a hint of elderflower, the Sunset Citrus was born. It was an instant hit, and it's been my go-to for special gatherings ever since.

"A perfect cocktail is a delicate balance of flavors, a symphony in a glass that tells a story with every sip."

Ingredients

• 2 oz Vodka (or Gin for a botanical twist)
• 1 oz Freshly Squeezed Blood Orange Juice
• 1/2 oz St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur
• 1/2 oz Fresh Lime Juice
• 1/4 oz Simple Syrup (adjust to taste)
• A splash of sparkling water or prosecco
• Garnish: A thin slice of blood orange or a twist of lime peel

Instructions

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the vodka, blood orange juice, elderflower liqueur, lime juice, and simple syrup to the shaker.
3. Shake well for about 15 seconds until the outside of the shaker is frosty.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe or rocks glass filled with fresh ice.
5. Top with a splash of sparkling water for a bit of fizz.
6. Garnish with a slice of blood orange and enjoy immediately.

This cocktail is best enjoyed with good company as you watch the day turn to night. Cheers to golden hours and unforgettable memories!