Need mediterranean cocktail - old or new

[lupaglupa]

I'm hosting a dinner party in a few weeks and I'm having mediterranean (not sure of the exact menu - it's pot luck). What can I have as a cocktail to start? I'd like it to be summery and to evoke the flavors of the region. One exception - no ouzo - I hate anise. Anything traditional or a new idea is welcome - I'm happy to taste test! Thanks.

[lupaglupa]

Reporting back:

The Juniperitivo was excellent - very intense flavours.
The Rosemary Gin Fizz was very good, although we added more of the rosemary syrup because we found it a bit subtle. It was very refreshing.
The Negroni was good but we thought it might be a bit heavy for summer.
We are looking for Aperol so we can try the Settana Cinque.

Thanks for all the suggestions! We're happy to try more anytime ;)

[pfarrell]

How about something with Campari?
These are the ingredients...instructions can be found on the website http://www.cocktailtimes.com/gin/negr...

Negroni Recipe
- 1 oz Gin
- 1 oz Campari
- 3/4 oz Sweet Vermouth

[2top]

Rosemary Gin Fizz

ingredients:
1/4 cup gin
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon Rosemary Syrup
Ice cubes
Cold club soda
1 rosemary sprig and fresh red currants, for garnish

directions:
1.In a tall glass, stir the gin, lemon juice and Rosemary Syrup. Fill the glass halfway with ice; top with club soda. Garnish with the rosemary and currants and serve.

Rosemary Syrup ingredients:
2 cups water
1/2 cup sugar
4 rosemary sprigs, rinsed

directions:
1.Combine all of the ingredients in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then simmer over moderately low heat for 2 minutes. Remove from the heat and let steep for 10 minutes. Strain the syrup and chill.
MAKE AHEAD The syrup can be refrigerated for up to 1 week

[Scottus]

While you're tasting, try a Settanta Cinque (the # 75 in Italian)

1 1/2 oz Aperol (Italian aperitivo)
1/2 lemon
1/2 oz simple syrup
Prosecco (Italian sparkling wine)

Squeeze the juice from the lemon into a cocktail shaker, add the lemon rind (don't bother zesting, just throw the whole fruit in), fill with ice, Aperol and simple syrup. Shake well, strain into a Champagne flute or collins glass and top with Prosecco. Garnish with a lemon twist, if desired.

[fafner]

How about a nice Juniperitivo -- by Jerri Banks.

2 oz Junipero gin
1 oz fresh lime juice
1 oz : simple syrup
1/2 oz : pomegranate molasses
2 sprigs of mint

Muddle all ingredients minus, gin. Add gin and ice, shake, serve up.

[cocktailqueen77]

Fafner, just a question, but have you been trained or worked with Jerri Banks? The Juniperotivo, as described, is exactly as she makes them.

I do think this is an exquisite cocktail that would accompany most mediterranean dishes. The pomegranate molasses is delicious!!

[lupaglupa]

Wow - that sounds excellent! Thank you so much. I'll do a dry (wet?) run this weekend.