aries is the ultimate diamond in the rough. they are no frills get to the point or they’re gone you have 30 seconds to get it out talk fast. their heart is always made of gold and their undying optimism is always charming. if you can look past their blunt remarks, their impatient demeanor and their headstrong aggression, you will find they are the most adorable babies of the zodiac. true diamonds hidden under a mask of fired, jagged, blackened coal. gotta love those hot headed arian babes. kind of like mars’ vinegar. too hot to handle on it’s own, this sour, bitter flavor needs to be tamed before imbibed. and what better to tame the wild child vinegar than venus’ sweet sugar?

LIBERTINE

2 oz freshly juiced pear nectar
2 oz sake
1/2 oz balsamic syrup
2 drops bitters
Garnish: Pear slice

***to make balsamic syrup: Simmer 2 cups sugar, 1 cup water, 1 cup balsamic vinegar for twenty minutes. pour into final storage container, adding approx. 1 oz vodka to aid in preservation.

Stir all ingredients in a mixing glass with ice. Strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with pear slice. (Cocktail by Gwen Sutherland Kaiser, Photo by Mary Claire Miraldi)

this recipe for BALSAMIC SYRUP was inspired by the amazing book, THE ART OF THE BAR, by jeff hollinger & rob schwartz. it’s another MUST have.