Wine doesn’t get a lot of love in the cocktail world, so let’s give it a little.  Based off of the modern classic cosmopolitan, the Vinopolitan uses the same vodka base, but gets a boost from the addition of simple syrup and earthy red wine.  Here’s what you’ll need:

• 3 Parts Vodka
• 1 Part Lime Juice
• 1 Orange Liqueur [preferably Cointreau]
• 1 Part Simple Syrup
• 2 Parts Earthy Red Wine
• Lime Wheel – Garnish

Combine vodka, lime juice, orange liqueur, simple syrup, and red wine in a shaker.  Add ice, short shake and double strain into a chilled martini glass.

 

Vinopolitan – Notes:

• Lime Juice – For best results, use fresh squeezed lime juice.  Typically you’ll need about 1/2 a lime, meaning there should be plenty of garnish.
• Orange Liqueur – Cointreau is the gold standard here, but any sort of higher quality orange liqueur will work.  Avoid the lower quality, sugary stuff, it’ll throw the drink out of balance.
• Earthy Red Wine – While you could use a fruity red wine here, earthy red wines will bring out more notes of chocolate and forest floor. I’ve found Grifone Primitivo and CDR Côtes Du Rhône work best.  The tannins tend to come forward and add body.
• Simple Syrup – The ratio for simple syrup here is 1 part water to 1 part sugar, brought to a boil, and then cooled. In the Vinopolitan, I found this was necessary to balance the mouthfeel and brightness of both the lime and the wine.
• Short Shaking – is critical here, as wine tends to dilute quickly, so just long enough of a shake to incorporate and chill, no longer.