Gather Round

Panzano chef Elise Wiggins prepares an at-home Italian feast.

Blushing Bella

(Makes 1 cocktail)

• ½ ounce rose liqueur* (see recipe below)
• 2 ounces vodka
• 1 ounce pomegranate liqueur
• 2–4 fresh rose petals

Combine first three ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake and strain into a martini glass and garnish with petals.

*You can special-order rose liqueur from well-stocked liquor stores.

Rose Petal Liqueur (Makes a half gallon)

• Approximately 36 red rose petals
• 1 teaspoon coriander seeds
• 1 cup superfine sugar
• 4¼ cups vodka
• 1 cup water

Pluck the rose petals and remove the white tip that joins the calyx. Combine water and sugar in a saucepan, and warm for 5 minutes to make the syrup. Add rose petals and coriander seeds. Boil 5 more minutes, then remove pan from heat and cover until the mixture cools. Pour into a clean, airtight jar through a fine sieve. Add the vodka. Seal the jar and store it in a cool place for a month. (Refrigerated, the liqueur will keep indefinitely.)