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Dusk on the Prairie: gin + grapefruit + layers of flavor

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This post is a sponsored partnership with Prairie Organic Spirits

I like a good cocktail. Especially when it’s a pretty one with gin with juniper and sage notes, sweet-tart grapefruit, orange liqueur, bubbles, and a layer of deep red Angostura bitters over the top.

It’s a drink I’m calling Dusk on the Prairie. A name that’s inspired by the Prairie Organic Gin that forms the base of the drink and the ways the layers of color evoke an image of sunset in an open sky.

Prairie Organic Gin

This gin is something special. Not just because it’s delicious with the aforementioned herby notes of juniper and sage, but because it’s made with sustainability in mind.

I’m picky about where my food comes from–I look for local organic sources whenever I can–and that extends to the way I think about drinks as well. I’ve always believed we have a responsibility to take care of the land that sustains us, which is why I feel good about choosing spirits made from corn grown on family-owned organic farms in the Midwest.

Prairie Organic Gin poured into a jigger

This cocktail takes advantage of the care that goes into Prairie Organic Gin by bringing that farm-crafted, dry, herbaceous goodness to a drink with a Tiki-inspired flavor profile.

Dusk on the Prairie combines bright citrusy (preferably organic) grapefruit with the warm baking spices in Angostura bitters. It’s a drink that calls to mind a tropical getaway, a welcome moment of respite here in wintry Chicago.

Pouring soda from a jigger into a collins glass

The drink looks fancy, but it’s actually quite easy to make. The cocktail gets built in a shaker, poured into an ice-filled collins glass, topped with soda, and the bitters get floated on top.

The last step is the only fiddly one, and it’s made easier if you hold an inverted spoon over the drink and pour the bitters slowly so they settle over the surface. (It may take a few tries to get the hang of it, but don’t worry, the drink is still delightful even if the float isn’t perfect.)

I like to take a sip of the drink with that gorgeous top layer for a hit of the aromatic baking spice notes, then give it a quick stir which transforms the drink into a light, bubbly, citrusy cocktail rounded out with herby, spicy complexity.

Dusk on the Prairie, a gin cocktail

Chicago friends, you can find Prairie Organic Spirits all over the place. Look for it at your neighborhood grocery store or your favorite bar. And enjoy responsibly.

Yield: 1 drink

Dusk on the Prairie

Dusk on the Prairie, a gin cocktail

This drink is a pretty one featuring Prairie Organic Gin, sweet-tart grapefruit, orange liqueur, bubbles, and a layer of deep red Angostura bitters over the top. A light, bubbly, citrusy drink with some warm baking spice flavor from the bitters.

Prep Time 2 minutes
Total Time 2 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 ounces Prairie Organic Gin
  • 1 ounce grapefruit juice, freshly squeezed
  • 1/2 ounce simple syrup
  • 1/2 ounce dry Curaçao
  • 2 ounces soda water
  • 1/4 ounce Angostura bitters floated on top

Instructions

  1. Add the gin, grapefruit juice, simple syrup, and dry Curaçao to an ice-filled cocktail shaker and shake until thoroughly chilled. Strain into an ice-filled collins glass. Add the soda, then invert a bar spoon over the surface of the drink and carefully float the Angostura bitters on top.

Notes

This makes for a lovely presentation, and I like to take a sip of the drink as presented, then give it a quick stir before drinking the rest.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

1

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 153Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 9mgCarbohydrates: 10gFiber: 0gSugar: 7gProtein: 0g

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SHASHI AT SAVORYSPIN

Wednesday 6th of February 2019

This cocktail is as pretty as it sounds delicious! Wow Those layers! And, I so love the name you chose for it!

Mary

Tuesday 26th of February 2019

Thanks, Shashi!

Jennifer | Savor With Jennifer

Wednesday 6th of February 2019

So excited to find your recipe! I have some Prarie Organic Gin in my bar right now and I’m always looking for cocktail inspiration. Looks seriously delish!

Mary

Tuesday 26th of February 2019

Glad to help!

Stephanie

Wednesday 6th of February 2019

Such a beautiful looking drink and sounds refreshing. Fresh grapefruit juice sounds like it would be perfect in this.

Mary

Tuesday 26th of February 2019

Totally agree!

Mike Hultquist

Wednesday 6th of February 2019

Outstanding cocktail. It's super refreshing, actually, which I love. Great flavor, perfect for sipping next to the lake.

Mary

Tuesday 26th of February 2019

Thanks, Mike!

rebecca

Wednesday 6th of February 2019

what a gorgeous drink! looks delicious too

Mary

Tuesday 26th of February 2019

Thanks, Rebecca!

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