As soon as the sun shines.

Today is the kind of day that makes you fall in love with New York all over again. Winter here can be brutal, as you know, but this year it seems as if the city has pardoned us in some way. Not only has there been no snow accumulation to speak of, there has been sun, blue skies and mild breezes that smell faintly of green and flowers and warmer weather to come.

Today--beautiful, warm, 55-degree today--feels exceptionally amazing, even during this very kind winter.

It smells like the Hudson River (and that's supposed to be a good thing, although if you live by 'real' bodies of water I'm sure that idea is repelling in every way). 

People are walking a little faster and shedding layers of cardigans, scarves, and puffy coats. 

Fresh salad seems more appetizing than hot soup. 

I tried to get a tan through my office window. True story.

And of course, nothing says spring is (almost) here than a crisp, refreshing...cocktail. 

This rose-colored concoction is borrowed from one of my new favorite sites, Design Sponge, who were inspired by a cozy little bar called Apothecary, based in Philadelphia. Although pink drinks are typically reserved for cocktails with girlfriends, I like to think this libation is suitable for the guy who's confident in his manhood. As yours is, I'm sure. 

But keep an extra jigger of gin on hand in case he needs more convincing. 

Cheers and let the springtimes roll!

Cardamom Rose Cocktail:

Ingredients:
1.5 oz of Hendrick’s gin (this is a rose & cucumber infused gin)
.75 oz of Rose syrup (make at home with rose water and simple syrup or buy locally)
.25 oz of Fresh lemon juice
.75 oz of Fresh grapefruit juice (ruby red preferably)
2 dashes of Peychauds bitters (Peychaud is credited with first creating the cocktail)
1 Cardamom Pod

Procedure:

1) Lightly muddle 1 cardamom pod at the bottom of shaker (not too much muddling or it will overpower the drink)
2) Add the rest of the ingredients
3) Add ice
4) Shake for 20 seconds
5) Strain over fresh ice to remove the cardamom pod
6) Add a splash of seltzer water
7) Garnish with rose petals or fresh lemon wedge 


NOTE: If the idea of muddling cardamom pods is off-putting, opt for fresh, organic mint instead.