Mixing It Up BY SASHA POGREBINSKY SASHA POGREBINSKY SASHA POGREBINSKY Growing up in a Russian/Ukrainian house, food and drink was a cherished event. Vodka wasn’t something you chug or shoot at a dive bar, you respectfully consume it with pride alongside carefully prepared zakuski and appetizers. Vodka is a revered member at the dinner table, drank with delight, with ritual, and with appreciation for life, for family, and yes for health, wealth and stealth. When I work on infusions, I reflect on those sentiments I absorbed early on. Summer infusions are especially fun to work on because of the abundance of fresh herbs and roots, vegetables and fruit. The variety of combinations is endless. There is something very special about infusing good quality vodka with the fresh berries and herbs I picked up at the farmer’s market on Tuesday, and being able to enjoy it with family and friends on Saturday. The flavors are always so clean, refreshing and rejuvenating, like summer rain. My three top go to infusions for the summer are berries, fresh herbs, and local honey. These are simple to do, and lend to many variations of cocktail options. Infusions: Strawberry 500 ml Vodka 1 cup chopped fresh strawberries Let stand for 1 week in the refrigerator Jalapeno-Parsley 2 cups Vodka 2 medium sized jalapeno, remove the seeds, slice into slivers 6 sprigs of parsley with leaves on Let stand for 1 week in the refrigerator Honey 2 cups Vodka 1 cup organic, local honey Combine and shake to emulsify, let stand for 1 week in the refrigerator Stock the Bar 1 bottle of St. Germaine elderflower liquor 8 oz orange bitters 1 Quart day strawberries (or any strawberries) 4 oz honey Fresh mint and strawberries for garnish Fresh lemons for garnish Ice Tools: Muddler Riming dish Juicer Cocktail Shaker Directions: Strawberry Muddle 2 oz of fresh strawberries add 1 drop of honey 1 mint leaf 1 drop of bitters 4 drops of elderflower liquor or syrup 3 oz of strawberry infused vodka Shake well with ice, strain into a in a chilled martini glass, garnish with fresh strawberry Honey middle 2 slices of lemon skin with a drop of honey add 1 drop of bitters 3 oz of honey vodka shake well with ice pour over crushed ice into a Tom Collins glass, garnish with lemon and mint Jalapeno-Mint Ideally I would serve this on the rocks with a side of pretzels or crackers. It’s also delicious in a Bloody Mary mix. Sasha Pogrebinsky Mixologist/Restaurateur Infusionist and Master Pickler www.TheStarlightNYC
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