The Cocktail Artist

Despite the inconsistent spring weather, there are things blooming here in the District of Columbia. It probably won't be the best year for the cherry blossoms on the tidal basin, but the trees are trying to tough it out after a cold snap caught them in mid-bloom.   So, we are dedicating this blog entry to spring and it's blossoms - which happens to work out well for the art (Chris has been doing a lot of flower paintings recently) and for the cocktail. For our vodka-based drink, we are also featuring St. Germain - an elderflower liquor made from flowers that are gathered from the hillsides in the French Alps each spring. In a nod to our local blossoms, we have added cherry juice and cherry bitters to the cocktail (along with some citrus to brighten the flavor). We think this drink has the taste of spring - and it does look nice and fresh with the blossoms from our garden.  Happy spring! Spring Blossom 1 1/2 oz. Vodka 1 oz. St. Germain 1 oz. Tart Cherr

Union Station - Washington, DC Some days you just need a good martini... Especially those of us here in Washington, DC - where every day can bring some new horror (or something to celebrate!) If you have read our previous posts, you know we are fans of District Made Vodka  made by One Eight Distilling  right here in DC. This vodka has a nice herbal taste, which really gives depth to the martini. If you can't get this one, experiment with some of your local craft vodkas. We find that the big brands are just too bland for this cocktail (and frankly, for most other cocktails we make). So here is our "District Martini" - dedicated to our (more than 650,000) fellow DC residents. Some of us are working on our tax returns this weekend, and while this is a frustrating exercise for everyone in the United States, those of us with no voting congressional representatives really need a drink after we are finished! Cheers! The District Martini 2 1/2 oz.