New-Lyvka

I have been in contact with a Dominican Priest friend on the border of Poland and Ukraine. He said that the majority of refugees arriving early in Poland had family there or in other parts of Europe. However, the people arriving now have nowhere to go and often don’t know anyone outside Ukraine.

In order to support the Dominican cause: to provide food, clothing, shelter, and medical care to Ukrainian refugees, I have created the New-Lyvka cocktail inspired by Ukrainian Nalvyka. It will be featured in the Boitano’s Lounge in Lincoln, Nebraska at the Kindler Hotel with all proceeds going to the Dominican Friars in Poland and the Ukraine. Please consider joining me and donating through the link below. If you make this recipe, please share it on social media with a link to the donation below.

Thank you for your kindness!

INGREDIENTS

2 ounces vodka
1 ounce cherry apricot syrup, recipe below
.5 ounces fresh squeezed lemon juice
.25 ounces Grand Marnier
Two drops Fee brothers plum bitters
Lemon peel for garnish

INGREDIENTS FOR SYRUP

3 cups water
1.5 cups sugar
1 pound frozen cherries, chopped
2 lemon peels
1 cup whole dried apricot, chopped after measured
1 vanilla bean, sliced, seeds removed and saved
1 cinnamon stick

Directions to make syrup
In a small sauce pan, combine all ingredients, including vanilla bean and seeds. Simmer 45 minutes. Cool mixture, then transfer it into a glass jar or bowl. Refrigerate overnight The next day, strain the syrup into a jar or bowl and reserve.

Directions for cocktail
Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake until cold. Double strain into a rocks glass filled with ice. Garnish with lemon or reserved dried cherries.