If you captured the essence of summer in Orange County with one word, it would be “fun.” While the rest of the country battles oppressive humidity or burning dry desert heat, in Laguna Beach we bask in sweet seaside breezes and breathtaking ocean views that span endless miles before vanishing into the horizon. Children splash and giggle on the shore. A crab and a few fish dance in the shallow tide pools just steps from Montage Laguna Beach. Summer in Orange County is sweet.
Montage’s beverage manager, Troy Smith, spent countless hours contemplating what goes into making a super fun summer cocktail. Nostalgia for sipping ice-cold grape soda after a long swim led to Smith’s grown-up version of this childhood favorite. He mixes citrus-infused vodka with good ol’ Welch’s Concord grape juice and, for a touch of fun, serves the cocktail tableside from a soda siphon. The throwback metallic bottle conjures up flashes of a “Three Stooges” scene. The soda sputters at first, then launches out as a blast of carbonated grapey goodness. It tastes like Fanta grape soda. But Smith’s version is definitely all grown up.
PURPLE RAIN
¼ cup Welch’s grape juice
2 ounces Greenbar Tru Lemon Vodka
½ ounce Licor 43
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
METHOD
Combine ingredients and stir. Pour into the soda siphon. Close the canister and charge it with two CO2 cartridges. Shake vigorously for 30 seconds.
Serve in a tall glass. Garnish with a skewer of three grapes rolled in caster, or superfine, sugar.
THE LOBBY BAR AT MONTAGE, 30801 S. Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, 866.271.6953 :: montagehotels.com/lagunabeach
