it's gotta be 5 o'clock somewhere

it had to happen. i've started hanging out in bars. well, not exactly hanging out--i like to call it research. so, last night i went to bluestem with a friend and tried some of the bartender's concoctions. amy did, too, so between the two of us we tasted four different drinks. i think the cocktail i liked the most is a classic new orleans drink called the sazerac. it was actually proclaimed new orleans' official cocktail by the louisiana house of representatives in 2008. the drink is made with rye whiskey, bitters and absinthe, with some other things thrown in for good measure. you can read about it here and get the recipe to boot.

is my first posted cocktail destined to be a classic, too? perhaps too much to ask, but let me know what you think. i wanted to develop a drink based on two flavors that always make me think of california--orange and rosemary. i'm still thinking of a name for it.

1.5 oz vodka (i like the 360 vodka made by earth friendly distilling co. in weston)

0.5 oz caravella orangecello

2.0 oz unsweetened pomegranate juice

2-3 dashes orange bitters

4-5 rosemary leaves

half fill shaker with ice. add vodka, orangecello, pomegranate juice and bitters. crush rosemary leaves and toss into shaker. shake vigorously until icy.

strain into a chilled cocktail glass and garnish with sprig of rosemary and orange twist.

what does your favorite state taste like?