The last time the words “Quiet on the set!” were part of my vocabulary, I was in the third grade.
Picture this, two eight year old girls working doggedly to calm down twenty or so other eight year olds, long enough to teach them their lines and places. As my bestie Michelle and I focused on writing and producing our first play together, my dream of becoming a playwright became more and more real with every clip of my board.
Welp, we’re 43 years down the road, and if you’ve read my About page then you know playwright never made its way to my résumé. As it turns out, my family moved to a new town in the middle of third grade, so Michelle and I never got to see our dream through to the end. And because my new friends preferred listening to Elvis at playtime over writing the next great Off Off Off Off Broadway hit, that was it.
But today, today, I get to share with you the most fun I’ve had hearing the words “Quiet on the set!” in all these years. Over the weekend, my daughter Luc and I created my first video for Ciao Chow Bambina.
If anyone was to be my “Michelle” on this project – it was Luc. When I knew she was coming home for the weekend, I ask if she might like to play around with creating a video for the blog. She responded with as much enthusiasm as I hoped she would…as much enthusiasm as I had – but she had one thing more – knowledge and experience for creating videos (I guess that’s two things…). This girl knows the deal when it comes to video production. CCB was in good hands.
And how idyllic that we could celebrate the completion of my first video with the very cocktail that put us here.
When I first imagined this drink my intent was to use vodka…my go-to, however, Miss Luc recommended I try gin – and you know what? She was right on. This drink includes her favorite gin, roasted grapefruit, simple syrup, Fresca and Campari.
If you’ve never prepared simple syrup it’s very easy. Simply combine 1 cup water with 1 cup sugar and bring to a boil. Stir until all sugar is completely dissolved. Remove from heat and let cool. Done.
We’re combining delicious winter citrus, the fizz of grapefruit soda, the sweetness of simple syrup with gin and a splash of Italian bitters.
And once I saw it, I knew exactly what it should be named…Winter Sunset. I mean – look at those colors…
Salute!
Winter Sunset Cocktail
- Yield: 2 1x
- Category: Cocktail
Ingredients
- 1 grapefruit
- Brown sugar and cracked black pepper for sprinkling on sliced grapefruit
- Brown sugar for lining the rim of your glass
- Ice
- 4 shots Gin
- 2 shots simple syrup
- 4 shots Fresca (grapefruit soda)
- 2 splashes of Campari
Instructions
- Place broiler on High.
- Slice a grapefruit down the middle then slice each half into 1/4″ half-moons.
- Sprinkle grapefruit with brown sugar and a good grind of black pepper.
- Broil grapefruit for 5 minutes.
- In the meantime, wet the rim of your cocktail glasses with a cut grapefruit.
- Dip each rim in brown sugar.
- Fill glasses halfway with ice.
- Combine 2 shots Gin, 1 shot simple syrup, 2 shots Fresca and a splash of Campari in each of the two glasses. Stir.
- Top with a slice of grapefruit.
- Enjoy!
“Quiet on the set!”
Ciao!
Kelly says
Yay, way to go on your first video! You did an awesome job and so fun to make it with your daughter 🙂 These cocktails are gorgeous too! Love the pretty color
Annie says
Hahhaa! Yes! Thanks, my dear! Have a happy weekend! 🙂
Kari Peters says
Lovely video, and that blue bowl is absolutely gorgeous next to all that citrus!
Annie says
Thanks, Kari!! I appreciate your sweetness!
Mir says
A video! You did it! YAY!!! I love it, Annie. Such a great job and a great drink!
And don’t let go of those playwright dreams. You’ve got it in you! 🙂
Annie says
You inspired me with all your gorgeous videos!!! You know that! Awhhh! Aren’t you the sweetest – your students are very lucky to have you! <3
Megha says
This is so colorful and vibrant. Loved it. Will try the mocktail version! 🙂
Annie says
Thank you so much, dear! Mmm-hmmm – that sounds good! Enjoy! 🙂
Michelle | The Secret Ingredient Is says
Love the video (and these photos!), Annie! Such a great job, and so sweet you got to make it with your daughter! You’re encouraging me to test the waters and maybeeee try to experiment with making a video. I love the name of this cocktail – so perfect. I’ve never been a huge gin drinker, but the grapefruit and Campari are making me reconsider because this cocktail looks absolutely fabulous!
Annie says
Go for it, friend! Test those waters – what can it hurt? It’s quite an experience – putting it together! I must admit – I’m very lucky that I had a secret weapon – but seeing it all come together is definitely worth the time! Thank you so much, my dear! 🙂