Lighten the mood with a "Winter Sunset"

2 cocktails: 100 ml Crodino, 4 cl flavoured rum, 4 cl Grand Marnier, 4 cl dry vermouth, cardamom pods, ice.

This composition became an instant favourite. And it was sorely needed after suffering from severe post-summer-, cocktail-creativity-depression and with the winter sucking all the fun out of sitting outside on the porch, enjoying an evening with a glass or two.

What made things worse? Being in the middle of preparations for a new class and the 5 stages of lecture-grief!

1) Denial - why prepare now, there is still so much time. 2) Anger - yikes. There is no time. Why did this happen to me, again. 3) Bargaining - I should have started earlier but I am sure we can still wing it if I work extra shifts on the weekends. 4) Depression - its too much, why even bother. I won't be able to catch up and prepare for more than the bare minimum. 5) Acceptance - maybe things aren't that bad. Lets lay the foundation for a truly great lecture next year.

Crush half a dozen cardamom pods and shake with rum, Grand Marnier, vermouth and ice. "Don Papa" for the rum contribution and "Martini extra dry" or "Noilly Prat" for the vermouth infusion will do just fine. Strain through a cloth or fine-meshed sieve into glasses pre-filled with Crodino. Stir. Mmmmh.

Zum Wohl, cheers, enjoy.