Neo-politan Recipe
- 1 1/2 ounces vodka, preferably Silver Tree
- 1/4 ounce lemon verbena syrup
- 3 ounces unsweetened cranberry juice
- Garnish:
- Fresh orange peel
- Fresh rosemary sprig
- For the syrup:
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup superfine sugar
- 18 leaves fresh lemon verbena
- To make the syrup: In heavy medium saucepan over medium heat, stir together water and sugar until sugar dissolves. Simmer 3 minutes. Reduce heat to low, and add lemon verbena. Let steep 30 minutes, then strain and let cool. Cover and refrigerate syrup until cold, about 1 hour. Makes about 1 cup.
- To make the drink: In cocktail shaker filled with ice, add vodka, lemon verbena syrup, and cranberry juice. Shake vigorously for about 6 seconds, then strain into 6-ounce cocktail glass. Garnish with orange peel and rosemary sprig, if using.
