Drinking and Driving

Inquiring minds want to know what the official Red Thread cocktail is? This is the subject of some debate since drinking and driving, under any circumstances, but especially on the Rally, is rightfully frowned upon, if not downright illegal. But any team undertaking such an adventure needs a cocktail if only because those back home need to hoist one in the team’s honor at major milestones along the way. The drink therefore should taste good, have broad appeal, and be concocted easily from readily available ingredients. Beer is a solid choice, but we’re going for as wide an audience as we can muster, so let’s not stop there. Vodka seems like a logical staring point for any trip crossing Russia – but red is a risky color for cocktails. Red implies sweet. Perhaps too many Maraschino cherries as a child inevitably created that association for me. There’s red Grenadine, but that’s like Maraschino cherries, Campari, too bitter? Sangria, too risky? Where is Doctor Tiki when you need him? Enough procrastination, here’s a shot (ha-bloody-ha) that meets none of the criteria:

The Red Thread

1 oz. Vodka (whatever’s available)

1 oz. Limoncello

2 oz. Pomegranate juice (unsweetened)

2 oz. Champagne

Mix the first three ingredients in a cocktail shaker. Rub the rim of a chilled martini glass with orange zest, add the contents of the shaker, then pour on the Champagne and garnish with a small slice of orange.

Send in your suggestions and we’ll update our post with the best suggestions, once the coffee’s brewed...