Oftentimes when a bar creates a new alcoholic concoction,
something goes horribly awry: either overzealous bartenders blend flavors that just don't
work well together (think mint leaves and any number of boozes), or they
overdo it with the sugary liquids and create a nasty frankensteined
Lemon Drop. This week, I'm glad to report, the Sundried Tomato Cafe in San Juan Capistrano has a winner in its San Clemente
Cosmo.
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Based on a drink made famous by a coven of fictional, sassy New York
women, the Sundried version introduces a twist, perhaps in a nod to Capistrano's
Latino heritage. The standard Cosmopolitan typically consists of vodka,
cranberry juice and a liqueur such as Cointreu or triple sec.
The
Sundried version consists of the following: Absolut Mandarin vodka,
cranberry juice, and Grand Marnier. The drink is then served in a martini glass and garnished
with a wedge of lime.
The thirsty patron is treated to a nice
balance of sweetness combined with a tart finish. The addition of the Grand Marnier and
lime evokes Pavlovian memories of margaritas (especially given the presence of Grand Marnier, a staple in the Cadillac version of the drink). The vodka and deep, red tint of the cocktail can compel groups of girls out for a night on the town to hit the upscale shoe stores and gossip about their boyfriends' sexual inadequacies. But go
easy on this one, not so much because of the high alcohol
content, but more for the high price tag, which hits the wallet hard at
$10.50. Still worth every sip.
