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Picasso 1 is a shaken, fruit-forward drink built around cranberry vodka and fresh lime, sweetened with a bit of banana syrup and topped with Schweppes Russian, a regional soda that’s not something you’ll find in every bar but is worth tracking down for this one. The banana syrup is a lighter touch than it sounds, more of a background note than a dominant flavor, and the lime keeps things from tipping too sweet.
It’s a good pick if you want something a little different from the usual vodka-cranberry lineup, with just enough going on to feel like a real cocktail rather than a mixed drink.
Glass: Collins glass | Strength: Medium | Serves: 1 | Prep Time: 5 minutes
Bartender’s tip: If you can’t find Schweppes Russian locally, a dry ginger ale or ginger beer makes a reasonable substitute, it won’t be identical, but it keeps the same balance of sweetness and fizz on top of the shaken base.
Steps
- Combine ingredients, in order, in a shaker half-filled with ice cubes and shake well.
- Strain into a collins glass with ice cubes.
- Top with schweppes russian.
- Garnish with a slice of lime, a mint leaf and a straw.
