Lemonbalmolitan

Lemon balm elevates the cosmopolitan to new heights. These are so smooth to drink-they go down easy-and they are quite delicious. You could use lemon verbena or lemon basil here, but the name won't sound as good. Make a non-alcoholic version substituting lemonade for the vodka and triple sec.

Makes 1 drink

10 to 12 lemon balm leaves
1 1/2-ounces lemon-flavored vodka
3 ounces cranberry juice
3/4 ounce triple sec
Wedge of lime
Crushed ice

Muddle the balm leaves in the bottom of a cocktail shaker. Add the vodka, triple sec. cranberry juice, and squeeze in the juice of the lime wedge. Add a generous cup of crushed ice and shake for 10 seconds. Strain the liquid into a chilled martini/cosmopolitan glass and garnish with a lemon balm leaf.

© Susan Belsinger