VittlesVamp

The Happy Accident

There's nothing like screwing up ingredients in a tried-and-true recipe to discover a new one. Such was the case with a drink recipe I accidentally created and aptly named The Happy Accident. Refreshing, with a tart edge married to a bittersweet finish, I've happily have been shaking these up all summer.

The one ingredient that might be hard to locate at your local liquor store is Cynar, the Italian amaro made of artichokes. Trust me, it is worth seeking out. Besides, if it's made of artichokes, doesn't this drink count as a vegetable? It's practically a health tonic!

The Happy Accident

1 ounce Gin
1 ounce Cynar
1 ounce Aperol
1 ounce lemon juice

Shake. Strain into a rocks glass with ice. Garnish with a lemon peel. Serve.

Foods of Summer

Is summer really summer if you didn't eat a Lobster Roll? I say no. This one is from Pilot, a lovely docked sailboat that serves as a restaurant and bar in Brooklyn Bridge Park. It was summer outfitted in a buttered roll.

If a bright yellow cob of sweet corn had been served alongside and ice cold slices of watermelon had been on deck for for dessert, it would have been summer trifecta bliss.

Those are my big three for summer. Toss in some gorgeous tomatoes and a nectarine or two for extra credit and I'm swooning.

What are your flavors of summer?