Ahhh, April 1^st. Known in these parts as April Fool’s Day. There’s something irresistible about trying to fool someone. And plenty of us enjoy being fooled as well. It’s part of the enjoyment of a great puzzle box, to be sure, but not so often a cocktail! The tradition goes back for centuries, with various accounts of when it all started. The Romans celebrated “Hilaria” at this time of year by dressing up in costumes, which you have to admit is hilarious. Another theory involves how Mother nature plays tricks on us with the weather right about now, so it’s likely the Pagans were already celebrating this holiday prior to the Romans in their own way. Many accounts suggest that when the modern day Gregorian calendar replaced the Julian calendar in 1582 France, those who did not get the message and continued celebrating the new year on April 1 were made into laughingstock and called “poisson d’ avril” (April “fish”, the original April fools?). We all like a good laugh, and perhaps a bit of schadenfreude too, so it’s no wonder the holiday has stood the test of time

Continuing the theme brings us to a delicious drink. Everyone knows how much I love a super sweet vodka cocktail, right? Especially a bright candy colored one made with sweet syrupy green apple schnapps – Apple Martini, anyone? Yum! Wait for it … April Fools! And if you love that sort of thing, I applaud you and raise my own glass as well. I’m a lover of all cocktails, I just migrate towards other spirits and flavors. So what’s going on here? This clever concoction was created by Contemporary Cocktails cofounder Aisha Sharpe to fool you into thinking it’s an apple martini, when in reality the bright green color belies a complex modern craft cocktail. In fact, this is one incredible cocktail, mixing smooth tequila with herbal Chartreuse, fresh basil, sweet ruby red grapefruit and tart lime. It’s incredibly delicious. I’d love to be fooled by it all over again soon. If you have the chance, try it on some unsuspecting friend – someone you like, because it’s so good – or just try it for yourself. Here’s to being foolish, and having a great time at it. Cheers!

April Fool’s Martini by Aisha Sharpe

1.5 oz Blanco Tequila

1/2 oz Green Chartreuse

5 Basil leaves

1 oz Ruby red grapefruit juice

3/4 oz Lime juice

3/4 oz Simple syrup (one part sugar, one part water)

Garnish: Thin apple slice or maraschino cherry

Glass: Martini

Muddle the basil lightly with the simple syrup then add the rest and shake over ice. Strain into a cocktail glass and add a slice of apple to complete the charade.

And wait – isn’t this just a Rubik’s cube? Or am I fooling you again?!? For more about this clever puzzle box and the full article see:

Boxes and Booze: Feeling Foolish?