Perfect Date Drink: Chambord Fleur De Lis

You've met a great guy, you're finally having him over to your place, and you know you're into him because the butterflies are flitting inside your chest. You know a cocktail is great for calming the nerves and getting conversation flowing, so what should you serve? Beer is butch but you're not a huge fan, wine is fine but a bit fancy tonight, and margaritas are marvelous but tequila can start things going down a fun but soon-to-be-forgotten road. Your best bet is a sexy, sophisticated drink that can help elevate conversation while loosening things up so that you both have a good time.

The Chambord Fleur De Lis is just such a beverage. It may sport a fancy name, but the cocktail is simple to make and offers a delicious mix of tangy berry goodness and bright lemony punch. Best of all, you can mix it up ahead of time in a pitcher, so when your date arrives you just pour over ice, shake up, and serve. Enjoy (but do so responsibly).

CHAMBORD® FLEUR DE LIS™
¾ oz Chambord Flavored Vodka
¾ oz Chambord Liqueur
2 oz lemonade
1 oz cranberry juice
Squeeze of lemon
Shake all ingredients with ice and pour into a martini glass. Garnish with a lemon twist and a black raspberry.

NOTE: Shot glasses are anywhere from 1-2 ounces, so use one of those to make a sample drink in advance, taste it, then adjust accordingly. The cocktail should strike a nice balance between being sweet at first and having a slight warmth from the vodka on the back end.

SUGGESTED PAIRING
•Port-salut cheese
•Dry salomi, perhaps with a black pepper crust
•Salted mixed nuts
•Fresh grapes, chilled
•Water crackers, so you don't get too many flavors going at once

SOPHISTICATION IS MODERATION. PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY. ©2012 CHAMBORD FLAVORED VODKA, 37.5% ALC. BY VOL., IMPORTED BY BROWN-FORMAN BEVERAGES, LOUISVILLE, KY.