Paradise Cocktail

This is one sweet drink! In a way, it does suggest a tropical Paradise, or maybe a blissful state of mind. It's not overly strong, though, with apricot brandy and a bit of gin as the only spirituous ingredient. Grenadine adds more sweetness and a pretty color. It's not, for everyone, but it will surely satisfy most of us.

• 2 oz. apricot brandy
• 1/2 oz. dry gin (Common Wealth used)
• 1 1/2 oz. orange juice
• 1/2 tsp. grenadine 

Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake and strain into a chilled cocktail glass.

Moldau

Moldau is the longest river in the Czech republic. That's why this drink has slivovitz, the plum brandy spirit of Croatia (they call it Slivovica) and a favorite of Slavic people. This is a relatively dry cocktail with lemon and orange juice and gin, with the round mouthfeel of slivovitz to add sweetness, which it does in small measure.

It was tart when cold, but it got better as the drink warmed up. It became more exotic and fruity from the white plum spirit.

• 2 oz. gin (Common Wealth gin used)
• 1 oz. slivovitz (Maraska used)
• 1/2 oz. lemon juice
• 1/2 oz. orange juice

Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake and strain into a chilled cocktail glass.