GuS - Soda for Grown-Ups

Your vodka of choice is an ultra-luxury brand. It's made from glacier water and winter wheat that is freeze filtered for its clean, pure taste. Are you really going to mix it with Ocean Spray cranberry? I think not.

Remember, all mixers are not created equal. For discerning palettes, try stocking your bar with premium fruit juices like GuS Soda which comes in all sorts of grown-up flavors like Dry Crimson Grape, Star Ruby Grapefruit and Dry Valencia Orange. Foodies love this brand - it's even served at Thomas Keller's Per Se restaurant by a sommelier who will pair a complementary flavor to your order for those seeking a non-alcoholic alternative. Seriously.

All of GuS Sodas are 100% natural, pasteurized, kosher and made with real fruit juice and soda for a light taste. For a great summertime cocktail, mix chilled vodka (super premium, of course) with Dry Meyer Lemon soda and serve over crushed ice and mint in a tall, thin glass. At 90-98 calories per 12oz bottle and only lightly sweetened with natural cane sugar, you can imbibe with less guilt (and perhaps a smaller chance of a hangover in the morning).

GuS is available at Whole Foods, Citarella, Gourmet Garage and other upscale, specialty food shops such as Dean & Deluca and Murray's Cheese. If you want to order a few cases for a party, try Mitchell's New York (800-662-2275) who will deliver in Manhattan to your home or office.

Maple Leaf on the Rocks

To all you nightcrawlers, I have a follow up to my recent post about The Inn LW12's late night Tuck Menu ("Tucked Inn" - Monday, March 19th) which serves until close to 4 A.M. In case you missed it, the New York Times featured the restaurant's signature cocktail, the Maple Leaf, in the Shaken and Stirred column in today's Sunday Styles ("Part Tux, Part Pajamas" - Sunday, April 1st).

Jonathan Miles writes, "The Maple Leaf is more refreshing than its autumnal, smoky-sweet ingredients might suggest. The taste evokes a crisp spring morning in Canada, befitting the InnLW12’s Canadian motif."

So, whether you are winding down or waking up....raise your glass to the Great White North.

Maple Leaf, Adapted from the InnLW12

1 ½ounces Canadian Club whiskey

½ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice

½ounce maple syrup

Lemon twist, for garnish.

Shake liquid ingredients with ice and pour into a rocks glass. Garnish with the lemon and serve.

Yield: 1 serving