A Sequined Summer: Crafting a Cocktail for ArtBar

When I was approached to create a Champy-inspired cocktail for ArtBar as part of a challenge to find their new summer cocktail, I was totally game. Up against concoctions by Kennedy Elsey of Mix 104.1 and Jenna Pelletier, Boston Magazine’s food editor, I knew I had my work cut out for me! Each of us picked a charity, and the winning cocktail– in addition to being added to the menu for the season–would have a percentage of proceeds donated to the corresponding cause.

I chose the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, as my mother has breast cancer (which also runs in my family), and it’s extremely important to me that a cure is found. They not only seek to end breast cancer in our lifetime, but they’re one of the most efficiently run charities, meaning more money goes directly to the intended cause and not to overhead costs. As an aside, I cannot stress how important it is to do your research when making donations. It can be quite disturbing how little of the money raised goes directly to the cause, even with respect to some well known organizations.

I knew right away I didn’t want my drink to be overly sweet, so I decided on fresh fruit. Raspberries are in season (and pair deliciously with sparkling wine) so once I decided on that, I got to brainstorming. My go-to for hard alcohol is citrus vodka (Ketel One Citroen usually) so it felt natural to work that in as well. To compliment the vodka, I added fresh squeezed lemon. My first attempt was too tart, so for the second iteration I added just a liiiitle bit of simple syrup to take the edge off– and there ya had it! “A Sequined Summer” was born.

A Sequined Summer (makes one)

 

• 2 oz Champy
• 1 oz citrus vodka (I used Ketel One Citroen)
• Ice
• 4 fresh raspberries
• 1/4 lemon, juice of
• 1/2 oz simple syrup

Being on the patio of ArtBar on a sunny (and windy!) summer evening, overlooking the Charles and the skyline of the best city on earth, while my cocktail was served was nothing short of surreal for me! I cannot thank the bartenders enough, because they made it taste way better than I could pull off in my kitchen 😉

While I didn’t win (congrats to Jenna on her yummy Cape 75, which will be included on the menu and benefiting No Kid Hungry), I was truly honored to be asked and it was really special to be there accompanied by good friends who came out to support me. Never underestimate how important it is to be there for those you love, whether in person or even by sending a text when you can’t be physically present. The little things ARE the big things!

 Dress: H&M, Shoes: Jack Rogers, Earrings: BaubleBar (c/0), Sunnies: Ray-Ban