Dalmatian Cocktail

The Russians, who have notoriously cold winters, have arguably perfected the art of vodka, and there’s something visually appealing about a frosty glass, full of a cocktail that looks as cold as the weather. Rim that glass with a bit of freshly ground black pepper and a touch of black-pepper simple syrup and you’ve got something that will really warm the cockles of your heart – and other parts!

An old classic cocktail, “The Dalmatian”, is a bit of a spin on a Salty Dog, without the salt. It uses vodka and fresh grapefruit juice (preferably pink). It includes a touch of grenadine to enhance the color; the black pepper brings on the heat!

For best results:
Always use fresh squeezed grapefruit juice.
Tastes best made with the freshest ingredients, especially the peppercorns.
Make it a mocktail by omitting the vodka . . . but why???

Black Pepper Simple Syrup:
1 cup granulated cane sugar
1 cup water
¼ cup black Tellicherry peppercorns, cracked
1 tablespoon vodka*

• In a small saucepan whisk together sugar and water. Bring to a low boil.
• Reduce heat to medium low, and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until syrup becomes slightly thickened.
• Stir in peppercorns, cover and steep 30 minutes. Drain through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove pepper. Allow to cool, add vodka* and chill in a covered container until ready to use.

*Vodka acts as a preservative and will allow the simple syrup to remain fresh for a month or more.

For garnish:
Pink grapefruit slices
Fresh cracked black pepper
Small saucer

Fill saucer with cracked black pepper. Lightly rim the glass with a grapefruit slice. Hold it at a 45° angle and roll it lightly through the crushed black pepper. Set aside and allow to dry while you prepare the cocktail.

Cocktail:
½ cup (4 ounces) grapefruit juice, fresh squeezed (about 1 medium grapefruit)
2 tablespoons black pepper simple syrup (or to taste)
1 tablespoon grenadine
¼ cup (2 ounces) vodka (or sparkling water)
Ice

• Add grapefruit juice, simple syrup, grenadine and vodka (if using) to a shaker with ice.
• Shake vigorously to chill the cocktail.
• Pour into a glass tumbler over ice. If omitting vodka, top with sparkling water or clubsoda. Stir and serve.

Cheers,
Sue McNamara CS, CSW
Certified Sommelier, Court of Master Sommeliers
Certified Specialist of Wine, Society of Wine Educators

Click here to obtain the recipe for the Dalmatian Cocktail

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