The Vodka Blush is a cocktail created by Peggy Nadramia.

“Mr. Castevet came in, holding in both hands a small tray on which four cocktail glasses ran over with clear pink liquid. “Mr. Woodhouse? A Vodka Blush. Have you ever tasted one? They’re very popular in Australia,” Mr. Castevet said. He took the final glass and raised it to Rosemary and Guy. “To our guests,” he said. “Welcome to our home.”

“The Vodka Blushes were tart and very good.”

–from Rosemary’s Baby by Ira Levin, © 1967

And so was born the question: how do you make a Vodka Blush? Tell it dirty jokes? Compliment it profusely?

We suggest you follow the instructions below, and become the hit of your holiday party—whatever holiday it might be.

Equipment:

Cocktail shaker
Cocktail glass
Measuring jigger

Ingredients:

2 1/2 ounces Vodka
1 ounce freshly-squeezed lime juice (strained)
1/2 ounce Grenadine

[Since the invention of this cocktail I have retooled it to account for the vast improvement in available grenadine as well as the pomegranate products to make it at home. Dissolve a cup of sugar in an equal amount of pomegranate juice (such as Pom) and you're done.PN]

Fill shaker 2/3 with fresh ice. Add ingredients. Shake and strain into chilled cocktail glass.

Enjoy, and spill a little on the carpet in memory of Minnie and Roman!

Always drink responsibly.