Plum Fizz

What a refreshing and different cocktail. The Plum Fizz is actually close to a Rickey or a Kirsh Rickey, anyway.

The difference is slivovitz, or slivovica as it is called in Croatia. This plum spirit is easy to mix with and it makes some very refreshing cocktails with a nice floral nose of fruit juices. I had to wait until plums were available in order to do the garnishes. It was a long time in coming, but well worth it.

• 2 oz. slivovitz
• 1/2 oz. lime juice
• 1 tsp. sugar syrup
• club soda
• plum slice

Combine slivovitz, lime juice, and sugar syrup in a shaker with ice. Shake and strain into a Collins glass full of fresh ice. Top with club soda and stir. Garnish with a plum slice. 

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.