Drink of the Week: Northern Lights

Photo: Lara Ferroni

Got a fridge full of Turkey Day leftovers? Today’s Drink of the Week—the Northern Lights cocktail from Los Angeles bartender David Delaney—takes a favorite holiday condiment from the tabletop to the mixing tin. Combining gin with fresh citrus, tangy cranberry sauce and sparkling wine, it’s perfect for a day of post-holiday feasts.

Northern Lights
1 oz. gin
1/2 oz. simple syrup (1:1), or to taste
1/2 oz. fresh lemon juice
2 barspoons cranberry sauce (use homemade or the highest quality you can find)
2 dashes Angostura bitters
2 oz. sparkling wine

Tools: shaker, strainer, fine strainer
Glass: flute
Garnish: 2-3 fresh cranberries, skewered on a cocktail pick

Combine all ingredients, except the sparkling wine, and shake with ice. Double strain into a chilled flute, top with sparkling wine and garnish.

David Delaney Jr., Los Angeles