Flemings’ Vinotinis

Several readers have written in asking for a few drink recipes that are a little different than the usual mixed drinks. And are impressive when serving the ladies you’re entertaining. I like where your heads are at.

I have a couple you’ll love. They’re based on the “Vinotini”, a cross between wine and a martini, and the creative result of six months of cocktail research by the team at Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar.

Vinotinis are complex drinks with many layers and textures, and are something your date will love. They take a little more prep (well, a lot more prep) and use higher end ingredients than the usual cocktail, but trust me, she’ll really appreciate the extra effort. (And it’s time you stretched your bartending skills.)

If you’d prefer to have one made by the people who invented it, they’re available at Fleming’s restaurants nationwide. To find one near you head to FlemingsSteakhouse.com

Napa Sunset
• 1 oz Roth Grape Vodka
• 1 oz Chambord
• 1 oz Martini & Rossi Sweet Vermouth
• 1 oz Red Diamond Merlot from Washington (can be substituted with any low tannin red)
• 1 oz. Fonseca Reserve Port Bin. 27 (or any other good quality Ruby Port)
• 1 oz Sweet ‘n Sour
• Port-Pomegranate Froth (recipe below)

Mix all ingredients in a pint-sized glass.
Shake with a tin shaker.
Strain into a chilled martini glass.
Top with Port-Pomegranate Froth.
Garnish with three red grapes on a pick.

*Pomegranate-Port Froth Topping
• 4 oz Pasteurized egg white
• 1 oz Bonny Doon Vin de Glaciere (can be substituted with any fragrant dessert wine)
• 3 oz Ruby Port
• 1 oz Crème de Cassis
• 1 oz Cointreau
• 1 1/2 oz Pomegranate juice
• 1/2 oz Lime juice
• 1/2 oz Tangerine juice
Shake well and add to a whipped cream dispenser.

Sonoma Fog
• 1 1/2 oz Roth Grape Vodka
• 1” Wedge of Ruby Red Grapefruit
• 3/4 oz Triple Sec
• 1 oz Sweet ‘n Sour
• Icewine-lime Froth (recipe below)

Squeeze and drop the grapefruit wedge in a pint-sized glass.
Add other ingredients.
Shake with a tin shake.
Strain into a chilled martini glass.
Top with Icewine-lime Froth

*Icewine-lime Froth
• 4 oz Pasteurized egg white
• 1 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
• 2 oz Cointreau
• 2 oz Icewine
Shake well and add to a whipped cream dispenser.