Slashfood, by LeNell Smothers

LeNell it All - Pom Packer

Alabama-born LeNell Smothers defines herself first and foremost as a bartender, but she's been called many things -- most recently, the proprietress of LeNell's liquor store. She's owned her own whiskey label (Red Hook Rye) and has been recognized by her home state as an honorary colonel. Other interests include gin, sin and men.

New Yorkers are no strangers to packing for a move. The search for a place to live seems to come around far too often. If you survive the apartment hunt without losing your mind, you will lose it in the search for boxes and a moving truck. Growing weary with the ever-present New York conversation about rent, landlords and brokers, my man and I decided on a house in La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico. *** Please note that LeNell's friends in CA (US!!) are very excited to have her closer to us, hopefully we'll be able to see her more often :-) ***

Moving time is when real friends get a chance to prove their devotion. To entice a few to help pack up my glassware collection, I filled an antique leopard-print shaker with some California spirits. I figured if I was moving to the Mexican side of Cali, my packing friends could be rewarded with a new cocktail creation using spirits from there.

After the jump, a new pomegranate aperitif and LeNell's Pom Packer.

Anchor Distilling makes Junípero gin using a dozen botanicals at a potent 98.6 proof, which stands out nicely in a martini. Napa-based Domaine Charbay recently released an aperitif made with freshly pressed pomegranates, pure fruit juices and eau de vie that works beautifully as a substitute for dry vermouth in a martini. Mixed with the Junípero, it produces a very wet martini and packs a punch ... and encourages friends to continue the filling of boxes.

Pom Packer
Makes 1
2 ounces gin (I like Junípero)
1 ounce Charbay Pomegranate Aperitif
2 dashes of Regans' Orange Bitters
Lemon twist

Depending on how you like your martini, shake well or stir with ice, and serve up or on the rocks. Garnish with twist of lemon peel