As if we need a once-every-four-year excuse to have a cocktail.
But we do! It’s too special to pass up.
Yesterday I checked out what I made on February 29th, 2012 and it was white bean gratin.
How boring. I mean, it’s delicious. But also boring. Too boring for leap day!
Glad I have my priorities straight four years later.
I was doing some research on leap years and desserts (that was the original plan) and came across a recipe for this cocktail on the kitchn. An actual cocktail for leap day? Don’t mind if I do.
The original was created by a bartender at the Savoy Hotel during prohibition, which really just made me miss Boardwalk Empire and my weirdo crush on Steve Buscemi. I know, right?
If you’re short on time, lacking a blender or freezing since it’s February (really, what am I doing here with a SLUSH), then I suggest stirring the chilled cocktail version up instead of a homemade icee. It consists of sweet vermouth, gin and grand marnier with a touch of citrus. It’s super tart but a teeny bit sweet, and since I’ve taken a bit to gin and no longer feel like I’m drinking liquid pine needles, I really liked it. I also LOVE grand marnier, so that helps.
In order to slush it, I added a bit of lemon seltzer so it wasn’t just 100% booze and ice in the blender. I almost added blood orange juice, but I’ve been quite obnoxious with that citrus this season so far and figured to let it be. You should try it though! Instead I threw a little blood orange wedge on top and called it a day. These are super fun and should definitely be added to your weekend plans.
And then again, of course, of Monday! To celebrate. Best excuse.
Leap Year Cocktail Slushies
Ingredients
- 6 ounces lemon-flavored seltzer
- 1/2 cup gin, london dry is suggested
- 1/4 cup grand marnier
- 1/8 cup sweet vermouth
- the juice of 1 lemon
- 2 cups ice
- orange wedges for garnish
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a high-powered blender (that can crush ice!) and blend. If you find that you want sweetness, I suggest adding some simple syrup or even honey. Scoop into glasses and serve with a straw! Garnish with an orange wedge, if you wish.
Notes
Did you make this recipe?
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I appreciate you so much!
But we never need one. An excuse, that is.