Summer Sipping: Salamander Cherry Lime Collins

Todd Gray.

Cherries are in season and Todd Gray, culinary director for Salamander Resorts and Spas, has been inspired by Virginia's bumper crop. At Market Salamander in Middleburg they are using fresh cherries in a compote with slow roasted pork loin or kiln-dried cherries in a wild rice salad with Italian hazelnuts.

Given the heat of summer, though, this cool sipper sounds just right.

Salamander Cherry Lime Collins

1 ½ jigger Vodka (we like Grey Goose)                                                
½ jigger Cherry Liqueur (Kirschwasser is good)                                         
2 Tbs Cherry Nectar (juice from 1 cup pitted cherries)
1 Tbs Fresh Lime Juice
Part Club Soda
Slice Lime for garnish
1 Cherry for garnish

Preparation
1.    Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add all ingredients except club soda.
2.    Shake well until the outside of the shaker is frosty and beaded with sweat.
3.    Strain into a highball glass filled with ice.
4.    Top off with club soda and garnish with cherry & lime.