Artemesia Ginger Rogers Cocktail

Just in time for the heat wave - a truly refreshing and delicious cocktail!

The Ginger Rogers is a classic cocktail, and after sampling one at Absinthe in San Francisco a couple of weeks ago, I decided to adapt it for use with my organic liqueurs. There's only one problem with this cocktail - stopping at one!

Last night we had an important discussion; which is better, a classic gin and tonic, or a Ginger Rogers? My father-in-law and I agreed that Ginger Rogers is our gal.

Artemesia Ginger Rogers Cocktail

1 large sprig fresh mint - at least 8 or 9 leaves
3/4 ounces fresh squeezed lime juice
1 1/2 ounces Artemesia Organic Ginger Liqueur
1 1/2 ounces gin
Best quality ginger beer/ale, such as Cock and Bull,  Bruce Cost's, Reed's, etc.

Put the mint leaves in the bottom of an old fashioned or large drinking glass. Add the lime juice, and using a muddler or a wooden spoon, muddle (pound) the mint leaves until they are well bruised and release their minty goodness into the lime juice.

Fill the glass with ice cubes, then add the rest of the ingredients. Stir. Serve with a straw. Optional garnish: a mint sprig and a lime wedge.

"Drink Me!" Artemesia Cocktail Hour: Ginger Twist

Almost immediately after letting friends know that I had posted my new Grapefruit Margarita recipe, a desperate plea came in from my friend Ginger: "For the love of God, Woman! The future of humanity depends on your designing a new cocktail using the Artemesia Ginger Liqueur - Stat!" At least I think that's how she put it... perhaps the exact wording escapes me.....

Well, with a challenge like that before me, I certainly had no choice - none whatsoever - as to what I'd be doing next. I fell asleep that night thinking about what tastes great with ginger; immediately came the thought - ginger and lemon! And I researched proportions, and sampled and tinkered, and served the results to family and friends. Tirelessly, we all gave it up for the good of humanity. Last night, at last, came the perfection I sought. And here, before you, the results. The Meyer lemon* juice, a common varietal in California backyards, brings a refreshing lemon lift, tempered by its characteristic sweet notes, while the ginger liqueur gives a pleasing, long finish with warmth that you feel all the way down.


Artemesia Ginger Twist

Makes two cocktails

2 1/2 ounces Artemesia Ginger Liqueur
1 1/2 ounces Artemesia Limoncello
1 ounce vodka
1 ounce Meyer Lemon Juice*


Pour all ingredients into a cocktail shaker, add ice, and shake until it's really cold; I like to count to about "20 Mississippi." Pour, garnish with an optional lemon twist, and enjoy!


*The Meyer lemon is a sweet, thin-skinned California native. Said to be a cross between a tangerine and a lemon, it grows beautifully and prolifically in many a backyard. They are not generally available commercially, and seldom outside of California. Should you not have access, you can ask a California neighbor to share, or a friend to mail some to you. If you need to substitute with another varietal, you may need to adjust the quantity, or add a little sweetener.