Solerno recently came to town with one of what might have been the coolest events I’ve ever been to … an hour of yoga on a terrace during sunset followed by a cocktail hour.  I  mean … amazing.

SOLERNO is a blood orange liqueur made in Sicily and created by Master Distiller Lesley Gracie (yes, that Lesley Gracie).  The flavor is incredibly rich without being too overpowering, which makes is a beautiful base for cocktails.  Solerno’s tasting notes: “The nose bursts with whole-fruit blood orange, red berries, orange blossom, and a hint of bright lemon. The palate yields a velvety sweetness, balancing tartness, and the full body of an 80 proof spirit with a long, dry finish.”

The two drink options they had during cocktail hour were both incredible (and made me feel like I was being healthy while drinking … ha.)

Solerno & Sparkling (DIY Drink)
1 part Solerno Blood orange liqueur
2 part prosecco
2 part Italian Soda (Pellegrino flavors are fine – lemon, blood orange, mandarin or pomegranate)

Guests added their choice of fruit & berries. All items poured over ice, and garnished with fruit.

Picture courtesy of Solerno

Blood Orange Cosmopolitan
1 part Solerno Blood orange liqueur
1 part fresh beet juice
1 part fresh carrot juice
1 part fresh orange juice
1/2 part fresh lemon juice
1/2 part fresh ginger juice

Roll ingredients with ice in a shaker and strain over fresh ice in a rocks glass. Garnish with a slice of fresh ginger.

One of the brand representatives also gave me the tip to try this amazing combination:

2 parts Solerno
1/3 part Campari
1/3 part lemon juice

Combine and pour over ice.  Top with club soda.