David Burtka's Cocktail of the Week

cocktail photo credit: Becky Stayner

I met David Burtka, and Neil Patrick Harris a few years ago in Mykonos, Greece through mutual friends. So I am happy to add the very handsome down to earth and multi-talented Dad, Partner, Gourmand, Actor, Professional Chef to my "cocktail of the week". David has found success in the kitchen and on the stage. He trained as a chef at Le Cordon Bleu and then under Mario Batali.  He's performed on Broadway and prime time television, David is currently a correspondent for E-NEWS so you can see him regularly on E. After meeting his partner Neil Patrick Harris, he went on to star in their own happy fairy tale ending with the addition of an adorable baby boy and girl to the family. I'm impressed about what he's achieved in his short time on earth because he's so young. Not only does he juggle all of these roles and successes, but he does it with style and a flair. Something tells me that a cocktail every now and again also helps.

**Full disclosure: we made this at the end of a photo shoot and it totally rocked our socks off. Surprisingly light, slighty spicy...I totally think this would be awesome with Indian food!

"Step Ball Change"

•   2 oz Boyd & Blair Vodka (Best vodka currently made in the world)

•   1 oz El Dorado 12 Year Old Rum

•   1 oz fresh lemon juice

•   1 oz Cinnamon & Cardamom infused simple syrup (The recipe is below but you may also substitute plain simple syrup)

•   .75 oz Carpano Antica Vermouth 

•   One dash of Bitters.

Shake vigorously and fine strain into a Collins glass filled with crushed ice. Garnish with a spiraled lemon twist.

Cinnamon & Cardamom Infused Simple Syrup

•   2 cups water

•   2 cups granulated sugar

•   1 cinnamon stick

•   4 pods green cardamom

Bring the water to a boil and reduce to a simmer. Add the sugar, stir and remove from heat. Add the cinnamon stick and cardamom pods and let chill, covered, overnight. Fine strain into another container and reserve.