Smash It Again
by Cynthia Sin-Yi Cheng
August 27, 2009
In blind tastings, I’m often surprised that my taste in wine is so consistent. This is true for cocktails, too, I learned recently. In a flight of cocktails highlighting NAVAN — the little sister vanilla liqueur to Grand Marnier — the drink I ended up liking best was a twist on the Smash I had enjoyed so much last summer. I guess I am a girl of habit after all.
Once again it was the clean, refreshing taste of citron and mint that got me. And it’s so simple to whip up. I usually won’t even make a martini at home since I so enjoy going out for cocktails, but I can see this as a charming summer party aperitif that I’d love to serve my guests!
Summer Smash
2 oz. NAVAN Natural Vanilla Liqueur
½ oz. fresh lemon juice
6 mint leaves
Muddle the mint and lemon, add the NAVAN, shake and strain over ice into a chilled rocks glass. Garnish with lemon and mint.
I hope you won’t get smashed by this drink – just smitten.
