The Hogans Pub Clausmopolitan
This drink combines citrus vodka with a cranberry, orange and cinnamon syrup and fresh-squeezed lemon juice for a vibrant cocktail that revels in the bright flavors of the holiday season. Skate Pierce, bartender and owner of Hogan's Pub in downtown Clarkston, shared the recipe. The drink is one of several cocktails Hogan's bartenders created for their December cocktail menu.
Servings: 1
1 ½ ounces citrus vodka
½ ounce Christmas simple syrup (see below)
¾ ounce lemon juice
Combine vodka, simple syrup and lemon juice in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Cover and shake vigorously until the outside of the shaker is very cold, about 20 seconds. Strain the cocktail through a strainer or slotted spoon into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a twist of lemon and cranberry on a toothpick.
Hogans Christmas Simple Syrup
1 cup cranberries, crushed
1 cup water
1 cup orange juice
2 cups sugar
2 cinnamon sticks
Zest of one orange
In a pot over low-medium heat, combine all ingredients and warm until sugar dissolves. Reduce heat and let steep for 20 minutes. Let the syrup cool to room temperature, then strain through a fine-mesh sieve. Discard cranberries, orange and cinnamon sticks. Transfer syrup to a glass jar and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks. Makes enough for several cocktails or use to flavor other drinks.