Start Happy Hour A Little Early With This So-Fresh Cocktail

The fall campaign season is in full swing, and, as in any election year, much of the attention is focused on those swing states — with pollsters and pundits carefully monitoring the mood to guess exactly which shade of purple places like Virginia or Ohio will turn this time. Sometimes, when the rhetoric gets as heated as this August weather, it makes sense to step out of the office and cool off with a relaxing drink.

At ArtBar at The Liaison Capitol Hill, an Affinia Hotel, the bar staff is mixing up a series of limited-edition cocktails inspired by swing states. The first is the Colorado Orchard, which is based on a special gin made from Colorado apple and combined with basil and champagne.

And, in case you are out in the field canvassing one of those toss-up districts — or just find yourself working past operational hours — we got the recipe from mixologist Ronald Flores, so you can make it yourself.

1.5 ounces CapRock Organic Dry Gin
1 ounce St-Germain
.25 ounces fresh lemon juice
Sprig of Thai basil
Blanc de Blancs Champagne

Combine gin, St-Germain, lemon juice, and basil in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake and pour into a collins-style glass. Top up with champagne.