A friend is looking for a "signature" drink

A former colleague of mine is having a birthday party and writes the following to me: " I would like to have a "signature" drink for the party . i like vodka , grapefruit juice and things bubbly. also, i have access to copious amounts of fresh mint."

I am not a vodka fan, and lipitor has kept my off grapefruit for years so I haven't been able to think of anything.

Any suggestions?

I don't have a recommendation for your friend Jon, but I do have one for you. I take Lipitor too and have found and it has been backed up by medical science that if you take it a night rather than in the morning, you can have a grapefruit in the morning.

Signature drinks are all over the internet right now, amazing drinks, in fact. Ina Garten recently did a show where she asked a well known bar person to make her a signature drink. I think he did two or three for her. I have made these to good reviews and there are great reviews on the site, as well. Different from what was asked for but worthy of a look see.

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/lemon-drop-cocktail-recipe/reviews/index.html

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/sea-breeze-cocktail-recipe/index.html?ic1=obinsite

And this Mimosa:


Grapefruit Mimosa
Perfect for celebrations such as New Year’s Eve, Valentine’s Day, birthdays and anniversaries, the Grapefruit Mimosa is a twist on the classic Champagne cocktail made with orange juice. Recipe yields 12 servings.

Ingredients

9 cups chilled, fresh grapefruit juice
(squeeze 13 grapefruits)
3 cups Champagne, chilled
1 Texas Rio Star grapefruit, cut into
wedges for garnish
Optional mint sprigs for garnish
Preparation

In a pitcher, stir together juice and champagne.
Serve in champagne flutes.
Garnish with a wedge of grapefruit and fresh mint.

.

Ingredients

9 cups chilled, fresh grapefruit juice
(squeeze 13 grapefruits)
3 cups Champagne, chilled
1 Texas Rio Star grapefruit, cut into
wedges for garnish
Optional mint sprigs for garnish

Preparation

Fill flutes 3/4 full with Champagne
Place grapefruit back in fruit bowl
Place grapefruit juice in fridge
Take rest of ingredients and dump in trash
Refill flutes as necessary

That would be my signature drink.

Can't use everything at your friend's disposal, but what about a salty dog. Equal parts vodka and grapefruit juice on the rocks poured into a glass rimmed with salt. The interesting kick could be the salt variation depending on guests choices (get 3 different Artisan sea saltsor fusion salts).

Thanks, Jo Ann - Salty Dog it is!

Peter - I'm with you! Anything with more than one component really confuses me (not counting the ice on a day like today). I going to write your recipe on a recipe card and file it!

I came across this yesterday which might be an interesting twist on the salty dog....minty dog cocktail

http://www.two-tarts.com/2012/01/mint-sugar.html

Forwarded to the party girl. Thanks, Karen.