The new bi-level Mediterraneo in White Plains is a big statement kind of restaurant, with a voguish interior design by Manhattan-based Riscala Agnese Design Group that includes a glass-enclosed elevator, a floor-to-ceiling ombre mural, and modish Italian furniture in natural woods and wool materials. The drinks, created by Craft Mixologist Juan Meyer, are equally as fashionable.
Below, Meyer shares a seasonal Christmas drink that will put a healthy amount of cheer in even the most contemptible of holiday humbugs.
Christmas Cheer Cocktail
Ingredients:
4 fresh cranberries
3 large mint leaves
2-inch lemon rind
1 tsp fresh ginger
1 oz cranberry syrup (see recipe below)
2 oz. Grey Goose Pear Vodka
1/8 oz orange blossom water
½ oz Pavan Orange Liqueur
½ oz lemon juice
4 oz sparkling wine
Muddle cranberries, mint, lemon rind, and ginger with cranberry syrup in a shaker until well combined.
Combine the rest of the ingredients, except for the sparkling wine. Give a firm shake and strain into a glass with the honey/lemon/nutmeg-salted rim (see recipe at bottom). Top with fresh ice, sparkling wine, and garnish with mint sprigs and fresh cranberries.
Cranberry Syrup Recipe:
1 bag frozen cranberries
1 cup Super Tuscan red wine
1 cup orange juice
2 cups sugar
2 Tbsp cinnamon
1 Tbsp allspice
For Cranberry Syrup:
Bring all ingredients to a boil. Keep stirring until you hear the cranberries start to pop, and then transfer to blender, and blend until smooth. While hot, strain through fine sieve to strain out all seeds and skins. (save the purée for other uses like a dessert topping). Refrigerate the syrup and purée until needed. Cranberries have natural pectin so when they cool it will thicken.
For Lemon & Nutmeg Salt Garnish:
Zest of 3 lemons
half of a nutmeg, finely grated
½ cup of salt
honey
Combine all ingredients and shake well to combine and store in a cool, dry place until needed.
Dip the glass rim in honey and then in the lemon and nutmeg salt.
Mediterraneo
189 Main St, White Plains
914.448.8800; www.zhospitalitygroup.com/mediterraneowhiteplains
