Carrots are one of the sweetest vegetables around, and they're starting to show up in more and more cocktails.  Think that's weird?  If so, may I remind you that you're already drinking tomato juice in your Bloody Mary?

Here carrot juice is combined with apple juice, in addition to the traditional orange juice, in a mimosa.  The addition of Aquavit -- a Nordic gin that is heavy on the caraway, itself a part of the carrot family -- lends a savory note to compliment the earthy carrot flavor.

While the Carrot Mimosa is featured on Cafe Alma's winter cocktail menu, it reminded me of summer; the vegetal flavor of fresh carrots just seems to match the bright-orange hue of the drink.  Try this one to brighten up a cold winter brunch.

Recipe:

• 1 dash Bittercube Bolivar Bitters
• ¼ oz simple syrup
• ½ oz Gamle Ode Holiday Aquavit
• 2 oz Carrot Juice
• 1 oz Orange Juice
• 4 oz Sparkling Wine

Instructions:

Assemble all ingredients in a champagne or wine glass, in order.  Garnish with 2 micro carrots "planted" in the cocktail.

Cafe Alma joins James Beard Award-winning Restaurant Alma in Northeast Minneapolis, serving a chef-inspired menu.  The Cafe is an all-day, a la carte, walk-in setting with bakery counter, bar and table service. The restaurant features 3-course fixed price menu for dinner only.  A full bar and cocktail menu is available at both locations.

almampls.com

(612) 379 - 4909