If you've had a cocktail in the Twin Cities in the last 10 years chances are good that bartender Johnny Michaels was involved, in some way, in its creation.  Whether through consulting, inspiring, or teaching, Michaels' reach and influence is wide within the Twin Cities bar community.  His Northstar Cocktails recipe book highlights recipes and techniques from some of his protégés, and proceeds benefit the SPCA International.

Now, after a long break he is back behind the bar -- this time at The Alchemist in White Bear Lake, MN. This cocktail is best served during the winter months, when blood oranges are fresh and in season.  A sour mix is made from the blood oranges, orange juice concentrate, and syrup.  Added to gin, and topped with Spanish sparkling wine (cava), makes this a effervescent and fruity bright spot to the long winter months.

Recipe:

• 1 oz gin
• ½ oz blood orange syrup (Monin brand, or other)
• ½ oz frozen orange juice from concentrate
• Cava
• Fresh blood orange slices

Instructions:

In a pint glass, filled 2/3 of the way with ice, add the gin, blood orange syrup, and frozen orange juice concentrate.

Shake to combine, then pour contents into an empty red wine glass, top with an ounce of cava. Garnish with some blood orange slices.

The Alchemist is located in downtown White Bear Lake, and is open evenings Tuesday through Saturday

2222 4th St.
White Bear Lake, MN 55110
(651) 261-6662

http://www.thealchemistwbl.com/