Springtime Martini

The start of spring is an occasion well worth celebrating with a cocktail. Of course, I tend to think that the arrival of Friday is to be equally celebrated but that is not the point. The point is that spring arrived this week and did so in an appropriate fashion. It's been sunny with temperatures in the 60's and 70's all week. The trees will be blooming soon as will the tulips that are traditionally planted all over the city. I love when colorful tulips fall over the sides of a vase...

So, how to toast so much beauty and delight? Frozen vodka and rum drinks are great for summer, whiskeys and bourbons for winter. No, I say spring deserves a cool refreshing gin mixed with subtle fruit flavors. Here then is our version of a tasty, light and pretty drink that is most aptly named. Cheers!

Per Serving:
2 oz. Gin
1/2 oz. Orange juice
1/2 oz. Pineapple juice
1/2 oz. Lime juice
1/2 oz. Simple Syrup
1/4 oz. Aperol *

Add all the ingredients to a cocktail shaker filled with ice and shake well. Pour into chilled martini glasses and garnish with lime.

*  If you're not familiar with Aperol, it is an Italian aperitif, somewhat bitter and with strong notes of grapefruit. I've never tried substituting grapefruit juice for it in this drink but I think it would probably work.