Red Cloud

There are storm clouds brewing, but this cocktail is a lovely red cloud. I'm not sure if the name of this cocktail comes from the influential Oglala Lakota chief, or just a description of the drink's color. I happen to think that the use of apricot brandy, lemon juice, and gin produces a light, cloudlike cocktail.

So here is MurLarkey distillery's ImaGination gin, with rosemary, celery, grains of paradise--dark flavors that ground things. Then sweet apricot brandy and grenadine to cut the lemon juice, but not by much. Angostura bitters distinguish this cocktail from many of these red cocktails with gin and apricot brandy--a very common classic trend.

• 2 oz. gin (ImaGination used)
• 1 oz. apricot brandy
• 1 oz. lemon juice
• 1 tsp. grenadine
• 1 dash Angostura bitters

 Combine all ingredients in a a shaker with ice. Shake and strain into a chilled cocktail glass.