Post-Modern Lemonade

This "lemonade" drink (I use quotes because it is pretty much like calling a Long Island Iced Tea a "tea" drink) is the cocktail equivalent to Picasso's Guernica. Its a modern masterpiece with so much texture, a collage of flavors from different countries. It is called Post-Modern because, like the literature and art categorized in this period, it represents a blend of nationalities and a multiplicity of points of view. Were Picasso to paint this drink, you would see it repeated in various perspectives and colors.

Sloe gin, a British country spirit, adds sweetness, while slivovitz is a plum brandy from the Czech Republic. Aquavit (or akvavit) is a gin-like spirit made from cumin, coriander and fennel. This is the akvavit kit from Osterlenkryddors that I made a few weeks ago. It stands out under all the liqueurs and brandies, not to mention lemonade, in this cocktail. Then there's dry sherry, the fruity fortified wine of Spain that goes well with citrus juice. All of these come together in a sparkling lemonade, the fizz lifting some flavors to the forefront while you sip. It took a while to acquire all these ingredients, but this drink was well worth the effort.

• 2 oz. sloe gin
• 2 oz. dry sherry 
• 1 tbsp. slivovitz 
• 1 oz. aquavit
• 3 oz. lemon juice
• 1 oz. simple syrup
• sparkling water
• lemon twist

Combine all ingredients except sparkling water and lemon twist in a shaker with ice. Shake and strain into a Collins glass full of fresh ice. Top with sparkling water and garnish with the twist.