MxMo XVIII: Orange You Glad

It’s been a while since we’ve participated in Mixology Monday, so we’re happy to join in on the latest MxMo hosted by Intoxicated Zodiac. This month’s theme is orange, so we thought we’d revive a very tasty recipe we created to celebrate our first anniversary back in May. To see the rest of the submissions, head over to Intoxiated Zodiac, where all of the recipes will be posted.

Orange You Glad
Sweet, bright orange oil and bitters mingle amorously with bone-dry Spanish bubbly for a match that might inspire a second round of toasts.

1 slice ripe sweet orange
1/2 oz. honey syrup (equal parts honey and water, blended until uniformly syrupy)
2 dashes orange bitters
1 oz. sweet vermouth
Cava brut
Ice cubes
Tools: mixing pint, muddler, bar spoon, shaker, strainer
Glass: classic champagne flute (6 oz.)
Garnish: orange twist

In a mixing pint, combine orange slice with honey syrup and bitters, and muddle well. Add vermouth and stir briefly. Pour contents into a shaker and shake with ice until the shaker is uniformly cold to the touch. Strain into a flute. Top with cava. Garnish. (Note: If you’re using an oversized contemporary champagne flute, such as a 12-ounce stemless flute, adjust recipe accordingly.) Photo: Imbibe Magazine