Who like Mondays?

Anyone?

Didn't think so.

On that note, I have decided to dedicate Monday's posts to a new "Beverages" Column. Being that today is the inaguaral post, I made sure it was, yep you guessed it, an adult beverage! Cheers!

I dont know about you, but I love artichokes. You know that infamous question what would your last meal before you die be? Well, let's just say artichokes would be on mine. (oh, yea, and I almost got a tattoo of one as well, still might...?)

I digress, a friend of mine saw a bottle of liqueur with an artichoke on it and naturally thought of me.

Have you ever had a sip of Cynar? I hadn't. It's intense. I think it is an acquired taste straight, that's for sure. But that will not detour me!

Basically, Cynar is an italian bitter liqueur made of various herbs and plants, the main on being artichokes (don't worry it's tastes nothing like artichokes). And it's an aperitif, which to me means it's healthy and must be consumed regularly! (He, he!)

Since I didn't think I could do it straight, I was forced to come up with other ways to consume this amazing artichoke liqueur. There are many ways to do that, but this was my taste tasted favorite.

I call it the Cynar Sizzle, cause it's perfect for summer, light, refreshing and good for your healthy swimsuit-ready body!

Here's what you'll need:

2 oz. Cynar

3/4 oz. St. Germain

3/4 oz. Fresh Lemon Juice

2 oz. Selzer

Kumquats, for garnish

1st: Combine Cynar, St. Germain and Lemon Juice into cocktail shaker with ice.

2nd: Shake it all around. Shake. Shake. Shake.

3rd: Stain into Cocktail glass with fresh ice.

4th: Add Selzer and Kumquat slices.

5th: (and most important) Cheers! It's Monday!