Name: The Front Line
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Yield: 1
Ingredients: 2 fl oz Absolut Mandarin; ½ fl oz Chambord; ½ fl oz elderflower liqueur (I used St. Germain); champagne or sparkling wine; Garnish with purple flake sugar and an orange twist

I can definitely say that any cocktail that falls into the Old Fashioned family of cocktails is one of my favorites. The Front Line is one of those cocktails, made with delicious orange flavored vodka, black raspberry liqueur, elderflower liqueur, and topped with sparkling wine or champagne.

Whenever I teach one of my cocktail classes I always try to break the class down into the six different families of cocktails. The Old Fashioned is always a hit. This classic cocktail family has the characteristics of liquor and sweetener. It’s simple and makes a darn good drink. You can switch out most liquors for the classic bourbon and liqueurs in place of the sweetener.

The Front Line

Authorloulousucre

DifficultyBeginner

Yields1 Serving

Prep Time5 minsTotal Time5 mins

2 fl oz Absolut Mandarin

½ fl oz Chambord

½ fl oz elderflower liqueur (I used St. Germain)

champagne or sparkling wine

Garnish with purple flake sugar and an orange twist

Using a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine the Absolute Mandarin, Chambord, and elderflower liqueur. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds and strain into a chilled coupe glass that has been rimmed with purple flake sugar. Top with champagne or sparkling wine. Garnish with an orange twist.