This drink accompanied my Super Bowl Nachos a couple of weeks ago, and I’m thinking it will make a lovely preamble to Friday night’s steak dinner, too. The original recipe came from a Valentine’s Day potluck menu posted on Williams-Sonoma’s “Taste” blog. I had to do a little modifying to account for a total lack of white cranberry juice in my town, so my drink has a light blush, but it’s delicious, nonetheless.

Elderflower Cosmo, adapted from Williams-Sonoma “Taste” blog dated 1-31-2014.

Ice

1/4 cup vodka (I made mine with Absolut Ruby Red, and the grapefruit note was a nice component.)

2 tablespoons Saint Germain elderflower liqueur (If this is not already in your home bar, prepare for a little sticker shock at the liquor store. I consider this purchase an investment in well-made cocktails. Besides, according to Saint Germain internet lore, French people on bicycles transport the blossoms that flavor this elixer from the Alpine hillside where they grow to a collection depot. That costs, people! Anyway, enthusiasm for this liqueur is building here in America, and there are lots of cocktail recipes out there calling for it.)

2 tablespoons bottled cranberry-strawberry juice

1 tablespoon freshly-squeezed lemon juice

Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add all of the ingredients, and shake well to blend and chill. Strain into a chilled martini glass.

Serves 1.