It’s official. I’m now a big fan of The Great Gatsby movie. I went to see my onscreen heartthrob, Leo, for the long-awaited screening of the Baz Luhrmann’s new re-make last week. Sure, I had my minor criticisms of the movie. For example, does Beyonce have to be in the movie just because Jay Z is the producer and on the soundtrack too? We get it – your married AND a power couple. Otherwise, I left the theater knowing that I would own the movie for rainy days on the sofa at home and that I was excited to drink like the fabulous people at the fantastic parties at Gatsby’s pad.
Here is my video recipe for The Grape Gatsby:
Now, very few people in the world make the kind of loot that Gatsby does, so how can we keep up with his lavish party style? Just follow my lead and I’ll show you how to make my "The Grape Gatsby" cocktail on a dime – well, practically. Most of ingredients were purchased at the 99cent store. The 99cent store has become my new Target. I leave with 5 full bags for only $20!
Here’s what you will need: vodka, grapes, fresh sage, raspberry preserves, sparkling wine (rose, champagne or sparkling cider) and ice.
I purchased the fresh sage (do not used dry sage), grapes and Martinelli’s sparkling cider at the 99cent store. For this particular recipe, I used Trader Joe’s Blanc de Blanc sparkling wine ($4.99) instead of cider, but that’s up to you. Champagne is technically only called champagne if it’s from the Champagne region of France and it is usually a lot more costly so that’s why we are opting for sparkling wine, but if you can afford the Vueve Clicquot or Dom P – go for it!
To get started, simply muddle 2-3 fresh sage leaves (a little goes a long way, so if the leaves are big only use 2) and 5-6 grapes (red or green are fine). Add a small teaspoon of raspberry preserves, 2 ounces of vodka and ice. Shake. Strain over fresh ice and top with 1 ounce of sparkling wine. Give the drink a stir, add a fresh leaf of sage and top with 3 grapes (the leaf will act as a boat and support the grapes).
Have some fun and dress up your cocktail area with some costume jewelry – I call this “blinging your bar.” This drink will make your party guests think you spent all kinds of Gatsby “green” to make this glamorous drink, but you won’t feel any guilt with little money you use. Enjoy!
Mix:
Muddle 2-3 fresh sage leaves and 5 grapes (if small, use 6)
Add 1 teaspoon raspberry preserves, 2oz vodka and ice
Shake and strain over fresh ice. Add 1oz sparkling wine and stir.
