The Intoxicologist Is In

Italian Christi

Sometimes the day calls for creating something new.  Picking up new liqueurs and adding them to a liquor of choice for an innovative cocktail breathes life into the mundane. 

While out of town recently I picked up a bottle of Giori Limoncillo Cream Liqueur.  I had already heard how splendid the flavor was throughout, so picking up a bottle really was a no-brainer.  This truly is a unique liqueur.  The creamy tartness is almost unexpected harmonized against the tamed sweetness.  While some liqueurs make a weak appearance in body, the Giori came through with richness and authentic lemon flavor.

It was this ample flavor and zest that prompted me to pair the Giori with an equally substantial spirit; Christiania Vodka.  Christiania Vodka is made with Norway’s organic Trondelag potatoes and pure Norwegian arctic spring water.  This combination creates vodka with full-bodied appeal in flavor and feel. 

My next thought; Acai.  Acai is a berry found in the rainforest.  It is a small, dark purple berry found in the Amazon basin.  The most recent scientific studies have christened Acai as the “world’s healthiest fruit” due to it being the fruit highest in antioxidants.  Bossa Nova brand Acai Juice is also sweetened with organic agave. 

My finished product: the Italian Christi.  Creamy, smooth with a hint of tart and berry sweetness.  This cocktail is perfect for a summer day.  It is easy, breezy and inviting.  I am not sure what was more fun, concocting the drink or making the garnish.  Often we overlook the garnish as just fluff when in fact it is decoration whetting our appetite.  Garnish provides aesthetic appeal, scent and charm to a cocktail. 

Italian Christi

2 ounces Christiania Vodka

1 ounce Bossa Nova Acai Juice

3/4 ounce Fresh Lemon Juice

1/2 ounce Giori Lemoncillo Cream Liqueur

1/2 ounce Bar Syrup

Blueberries & Lemon Twist for Garnish

Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled one-third full of ice.  Shake ten to fifteen seconds or until nice and frothy.  Strain into a well chilled champagne flute.  Garnish with skewered blueberries wrapped with a lemon twist.

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Giori Information:  The preparation of this lemon liqueur starts with the harvest of lemons specially selected gardens. On the day of harvest, the lemons are lightly washed and immediately peeled. The peels are then infused in alcohol derived from molasses. The final preparation takes place in mixers where the infused lemon is combined with syrup made from sucrose. The mixture of lemon liqueur is then combined with liquid cream, which is then emulsified.

Giori’s Lemoncillo Cream Liqueur has a rich, creamy body that follows suit with the lemon zest barely peeking through, but it’s there all the same and provides a tart flavor that almost suggests lemon curd.