Love Potion #9

This always makes me think of that Love Potion #9 song! And that’s exactly what your sweetie will be thinking when you make him this extra-special potion. When he asks you what’s in it, don’t tell him! He’ll probably think it’s a little girly, because it’s red and pretty. But what he won’t know is that this potion packs a wallop, thanks to the pomegranate’s aphrodisiac qualities. So potion up, ladies. You’ll thank me later.

MAKES 2 COCKTAILS

4 ounces citron vodka
11⁄2 ounces Cointreau
4 ounces pomegranate juice
2 ounces freshly squeezed lime juice
Pomegranate seeds, for garnish

Put all ingredients (except the pomegranate seeds) in a cocktail shaker half filled with ice. Shake vigorously, and then strain into chilled martini glasses. Garnish with the pomegranate seeds.

Excerpted from The Neelys’ Celebration Cookbook by Pat and Gina Neely, with Ann Volkwein Copyright © 2011 by Patrick and Gina Neely, with P. Excerpted by permission of Knopf, a division of Random House of Canada Limited. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.