The Okarito
This alcoholic cocktail balances the tart flavour of kiwifruit, lime and rhubarb with the sweetness of apple juice and a vanilla simple syrup.
1/2
kiwifruit, peeled
1
stalk rhubarb, chopped
2
oz (60 mL) vodka (McGuinness’s pick: Effen or Smirnoff)
1/2
oz (15 mL) white sweet vermouth
2
oz (60 mL) apple juice
2
dashes orange bitters
2
tsp (10 mL) vanilla simple syrup (make your own; see below)
2 1/2
tsp (12 mL) lime juice
3
raspberries (for garnish; can use frozen)
In a shaker, muddle kiwi and rhubarb. Add vodka, vermouth and apple juice, then bitters, vanilla simple syrup and lime juice. (To make vanilla simple syrup, heat equal parts water and sugar in saucepan until dissolved, then add 1-2 tsp [5-10 mL] of vanilla extract.) Fill shaker with ice and shake well. Strain drink into a martini glass. Garnish with raspberries, and serve straight up. Serves one.
