I’ve been enamored with bright colors, vibrant designs, and mixing palettes ever since my first trip to the Greenbrier in the eighth grade. It was love at first sight.
President of one of America’s very first design firms, Dorothy Draper & Co., Inc., Carleton Varney (also known as “Mr. Color“) has had a hand in designing some of the world’s most exquisite properties. In fact, this blog was inspired by Draper’s and Varney’s use of welcoming color and pattern play in their interiors!
I was also over the moon to have found a set of six Dorothy Draper for Henredon dining chairs a month or so back at one of my favorite antique dealer’s shops in Virginia. They’re pieces I’ll treasure for years to come.
When I saw the recipe for the Cocktail Carleton at Newbridge Silverware‘s Cafe Carleton launch party, I had to test it out for myself. And the result? A refreshing, citrus rush capped with a hint of bubbles.
Here’s What You’ll Need:
The goods:
Jigger (I have this exact set and it’s wonderful!)
Ice bucket and tongs (it’s sold out on Tuckernuck, but you can still find it here and here)
Carafes (Crate and Barrel)
Highball glasses (these highballs are actually pilsners – shhh! – that I found at Black Dog Salvage featured in this blog post). I also like these, these, and these. Pro tip: Always keep a set of fun drink glasses on-hand in the number that you usually entertain (whether that’s six people or twelve).
The perishables:
Ice cubes
Vodka
One lime
Tonic water (I used sparkling water)
Orange juice
Cranberry juice (just a splash)
Prep your garnishes. Cut your limes into full slices to either lay on top of the drink at the end or cut a slit in the side to rest it on the rim.
Following along with the recipe, add “lots of ice” to the glass. Frost the glass for a few minutes in the freezer to keep the ice from melting while you’re mixing your cocktails.
(Trina Turk dress – old, similar here and here; Jcrew nude heels – similar in suede)
Pour in vodka (measure a double with your jigger since it’s a bigger glass…that’s what I tell myself).
Add two more parts orange juice, filling the glass almost to the top. Leave about two to three inches for tonic water (or sparkling water).
Add in your tonic water or sparkling water for that little bit of effervescence.
Top it all off with a splash of cranberry juice and, as the recipe card specifically says, “do NOT stir.”
Finish it off with a slice of lime either on the rim or floating on top.
Cheers, y’all!
