Arden and I were friends when I was 3 – maybe 4 – years old. If you had asked our parents, they would have told you we shared the same middle name: mischief. Oh, did we get into trouble!
That was long ago, in the early 1960s. Arden and her family moved to California sometime before my 5th birthday. It was the first time I knew loss. Happily, though, thanks to Facebook, we reconnected several years ago, and picked up right where we left off. True friends can do that.
When she and her son visited Tucson, she brought us Meyer lemons from her tree and her home-infused pomegranate vodka, and we made her signature drink. We call it The Arden.
We have tried infusing our own vodka but it just wasn’t the same as hers. So we took matters into our own hands and reworked the drink using vodka, pomegranate juice, and Meyer lemons.
Here’s a toast to lasting friendships!
~ David
Note: I have learned from my friend John who writes Kitchen Riffs, that if you want a clear cocktail, you should stir it, not shake it. In this case, it wouldn’t matter because the amount of lemon juice, even strained, will make a cloudy — but extremely tasty — drink.
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Gerlinde de Broekert
March 21, 2020 at 5:16 pmI love the looks of that cocktail. I have been isolating myself because of my trip to France . I will make it as soon as I can go shopping again. How are you doing?
Cocoa & Lavender
March 27, 2020 at 10:53 pmIt’s very refreshing, Gerlinde! We are doing fine here — and I hope the same for you!
David Scott Allen
March 21, 2020 at 5:31 pmHello all, I’m checking to see if the comments function is working…
Susan Manfull
March 21, 2020 at 10:44 pmThe Arden sounds especially refreshing. I see a shaker of Ardens on one of our tables on the patio. Soon, but not now as it is supposed to snow on Monday!
Cocoa & Lavender
March 24, 2020 at 2:19 pmAnd you got the snow… so sorry! Squeeze some Meyer lemon juice now and freeze it for patio weather!
Peg Peterson
March 22, 2020 at 3:16 pmThe Arden sounds delicious and right up my alley! And your cocktail shaker is gorgeous.
Stay healthy, my friend!
Cocoa & Lavender
March 27, 2020 at 4:41 amThanks, Peg! I love the cocktail shaker, and sadly don’t get it out often enough! Stay well, yourself… I miss seeing you!
sippitysup
March 24, 2020 at 3:36 pmHmmm. I left a message here yestrerday, Did it not show up? GREG
Cocoa & Lavender
March 26, 2020 at 1:02 pmHey, Greg — no it didn’t show up. Having some commenting issues — not sure what’s up! Thanks for checking back, though!
Eha
March 21, 2020 at 11:11 pmHello David ! Sending you greetings from a still summery 32 C Southern Highlands Down Under. Whilst not a cocktails gal, more G&T, single malt and cognac if wine is not being poured . . I very much like the look and simplicity of your drink. Having a Meyer lemon tree in my garden about to bear fruit in a few months, The Arden will most assuredly be tried. Meanwhile, went ‘fishing’ amongst my vinyl this morning and am typing this to the encouraging sound of Dame Vera Lynn softly singing ‘When the lights go on again all over the world’ . . . many of us who can and do remember, would know how much the thought helped . . . best . . .
2pots2cook
March 22, 2020 at 10:16 amVodka shots work perfectly with fruits dear David ! As we are in isolation and absolutely not allowed to gather anywhere anyhow I’ll make a double batch for my private party. Above it all we had serious earthquake at 06:24 today, local time, it woke us all up in fear and people started running out, of course, so things are getting serious here. If you pray, pray for us.
Cocoa & Lavender
March 24, 2020 at 2:20 pmKeeping you all in my heart and thoughts. This is so unbelievable, Davorka. Please stay safe — I wish I could say that the consumption of Ardens is medicinal… maybe it’s mental health food, though!
Frank Fariello
March 22, 2020 at 2:21 pmOld friends really are precious. I’m happy to say that I still maintain friendships with my two best friends from 3rd and 7th grades, a couple from college and even one from law school. I’m one of those people who values having fewer but deeper and lasting friendships. They’re the best!
And so are home grown Meyer lemons, I bet. Enjoy!
Cocoa & Lavender
March 24, 2020 at 2:21 pmWe are very similar in this respect, Frank. I, too, keep friends and have some of my closest still from grade school (and before, obviously).
Gerlinde de Broekert
March 22, 2020 at 2:26 pmWhat a great looking cocktail, all I need is some pomegranate juice. Prost!
Cocoa & Lavender
March 27, 2020 at 4:40 amAnd, I noticed in the store, no one is drinking pomegranate juice! There was plenty of it… Toilet paper? No way. But pomegranate juice? Yes!
Robin Pinto
March 22, 2020 at 3:33 pmIt sounds delicious! But more delicious is the mental image of you as a “mischief” maker!
Cocoa & Lavender
March 24, 2020 at 2:23 pmGood to hear from you Robin — hope you are both doing well. I got into plenty of mischief, but it was often based in scientific inquiry. Like dropping the Etch-a-Sketch from the second floor window so we could see inside and find out how it works. Arden and I did that when I was four!
John / Kitchen Riffs
March 22, 2020 at 4:20 pmWhat a nice story! And what a nice drink. We all need a drink at the moment, I think. Thanks for this. (And also thanks for the very kind shout-out.)
Cocoa & Lavender
March 24, 2020 at 2:24 pmJohn – your note reminded me that I needed to go back in and add a link to Kitchen Riffs. It’s there now and hope lots of people drop by!
Inger @ Art of Natural Living
March 22, 2020 at 8:39 pmLovely David! Plus yet another friend bringing you citrus!
Cocoa & Lavender
March 24, 2020 at 2:25 pmCitrus here are the zucchini of the north. One could waken any day and find a huge anonymous bag on one’s doorstep!
Eha Carr
March 23, 2020 at 12:20 amWell, as you may remember I do prefer a G&T or single malt or cognac before sitting down to dinner but your simple beverage in honour of a dear friend does attract . . . especially since my Meyer lemon in front of the kitchen window promises its usual bounty in a few months ! Like the idea of the pomegranate also. As I have worked from home for the last couple of decades I am totally at peace with ‘the lockdown’ but getting food into the house surely has become a lottery at which one has little chance of winning . . . best
Cocoa & Lavender
March 24, 2020 at 2:26 pmLove all of the above – and the occasional Arden. But mostly I am a wine drinker. Cognac or a digestivo after dinner.
sherry
March 23, 2020 at 5:37 amgreat to be able to connect with old friends thru social media i think. Funny how when i saw the title for this post, i thought of what we aussies would see as a fruit cocktail – a fruit salad in a bowl:) but this sounds super delish david! keep well and keep clean (covid-19 speak for cheers!) sherry
Cocoa & Lavender
March 27, 2020 at 4:39 amTo be honest, Sherry, that’s exactly what we think of as fruit cocktail here in the United States as well. However, when I thought about it, this is a cocktail, and it has fruit. Plus, it’s fruit cocktail. I like my version better…
So sorry you were having such troubles commenting. I’ve begun to figure out the issue, and see that there’s definitely a problem.
sherry
March 23, 2020 at 5:39 amhope my previous comment comes thru…
Cocoa & Lavender
March 24, 2020 at 2:26 pmSo sorry you are having a bad time commenting. Seems no matter which platform I use, there are problems! I will talk to my tech guy to see what is up!
sherry
March 23, 2020 at 6:32 amokay neither of my other comments came thru. only the one saying hope it comes thru. the irony!:) just saying to aussies a fruit cocktail is a fruit salad in a bowl. and keep well and keep clean (Covid-19 speak for cheers!)
sherry (fingers crossed!
sherry
March 23, 2020 at 6:33 ami’ve tried 4 times now to comment ….
Eha Carr
March 23, 2020 at 7:36 amSherry – for the first time ever I also did not get my first ‘go’ over the Pacific !! Am certain the system failed David . . .
Cocoa & Lavender
March 24, 2020 at 2:27 pmA least two of the four made it through! 😉 Thanks for trying over and over!
Ron
March 23, 2020 at 8:21 amDavid, I must admit that I’ve lost contact with all of my childhood friends. You’ve inspired me to look for one that I no knowledge of these days. Friendship is an earned gift and an especially important thing at this time.
When I first read the title of your post I misread it thinking it said “Mom’s Fruit Cocktail”. I got to tell you, that sent shivers down my spine as Mom’s Fruit Cocktail was not a pretty dish. Then I realized you were referring to an adult cocktail as opposed to the kind of fruit cocktail that came in a can. I think it will be a lovely libation to enjoy on a nice sunny afternoon or with Sunday brunch or anytime.
Ron
March 23, 2020 at 8:24 amDavid, I must admit that I’ve lost contact with all of my childhood friends. You’ve inspired me to look for one that I no knowledge of these days. Friendship is an earned gift and an especially important thing at this time.
When I first read the title of your post I misread it thinking it said “Mom’s Fruit Cocktail”. I got to tell you, that sent shivers down my spine as Mom’s Fruit Cocktail was not a pretty dish. Then I realized you were referring to an adult cocktail as opposed to the kind of fruit cocktail that came in a can. I think it will be a lovely libation to enjoy on a nice sunny afternoon or with Sunday brunch or anytime.
Cocoa & Lavender
March 27, 2020 at 4:38 amTrust me, Ron, I would never make you eat fruit cocktail! It sent chills down my spine, as well. I’m a very sentimental kind of guy… And friendship means a lot to me. In my mind, once you are a friend, you are a friend forever.
John
March 23, 2020 at 9:59 amNow, this sounds like the perfect cocktail. I’ve often mixed vodka with cranberry and very seldom mixed it with pomegranate juice, but the addition of lemon and a touch of sugar takes it to another level.
I need one of these now!
John
March 23, 2020 at 10:00 amNow, this sounds like the perfect cocktail. I’ve often mixed vodka with cranberry and very seldom mixed it with pomegranate juice, but the addition of lemon and a touch of sugar takes it to another level.
I need one of these now!
John
March 23, 2020 at 10:00 amNow, this sounds like the perfect cocktail. I’ve often mixed vodka with cranberry and very seldom mixed it with pomegranate juice, but the addition of lemon and a touch of sugar takes it to another level.
I need one of these now!
John
March 23, 2020 at 10:01 amNow, this sounds like the perfect cocktail. I’ve often mixed vodka with cranberry and very seldom mixed it with pomegranate juice, but the addition of lemon and a touch of sugar takes it to another level.
I need one of these now!
John
March 23, 2020 at 10:01 amNow, this sounds like the perfect cocktail. I’ve often mixed vodka with cranberry and very seldom mixed it with pomegranate juice, but the addition of lemon and a touch of sugar takes it to another level.
I need one of these now!
Fran @ G'day Souffle'
March 23, 2020 at 2:40 pmDavid, I thought this was going to be a post about canned fruit cocktail that has bits of fruit in it (like we used to be served in the school cafeteria in the 50s and 60s)! I’ve made several dishes with pomegranate molasses, but not with vodka- sounds like a unique idea! Hope you remain well!
Cocoa & Lavender
March 27, 2020 at 4:36 amWe are keeping very safe, Fran! As I said in the title, this is definitely not your mothers fruit cocktail!
sippitysup
March 23, 2020 at 9:28 pmI know what you mean about old friends! I’m starting to feel that way about you and we’ve never met! Of course, maybe I’ve had one or two of Arden’s fruit cocktail and am feeling sentimental. GREG
Cocoa & Lavender
March 27, 2020 at 4:36 amWe will have to meet someday, Greg. One day I’ll get to LA or you will get to Tucson and it will happen.
John
March 23, 2020 at 10:28 pmNow, this sounds like the perfect cocktail. I’ve often mixed vodka with cranberry and very seldom mixed it with pomegranate juice, but the addition of lemon and a touch of sugar takes it to another level.
I need one of these now!
Cocoa & Lavender
March 27, 2020 at 4:35 amI can only imagine that you need a good cocktail after all the work you’re doing on the guest house!
Carolyne
March 24, 2020 at 12:48 amCheers, to that!
Cocoa & Lavender
March 24, 2020 at 2:18 pmNothing like a good cocktail!
Jeff the Chef
March 24, 2020 at 2:01 pmI love that you and your friend were able to reconnect. I guess Facebook is good for something after all. That sounds like a really tasty drink – and I love the cocktail shaker and rocks glass!
Cocoa & Lavender
March 27, 2020 at 4:35 amThe cocktail shaker is from India, and the glasses are late 19th century from New England. Amazing that they go together so well!
Valentina
March 24, 2020 at 6:28 pmThis is my kind of drink, and I could sure use one about now. 😉 Delicious drinks made from loving friendships is just what the doc ordered. Thank you! ~Valentina
Cocoa & Lavender
March 26, 2020 at 1:03 pmThanks, my friend! I think we are both on the same page — trying to keep positive during such a negative period.
priya
March 26, 2020 at 9:41 pmvodka and fruits! ohhh david this is just a my kind of drink. These days, we just need this kind of refreshing drink to cheer up!
Hope you are all right there. Stay safe.
have a great day ahead.
Cocoa & Lavender
March 27, 2020 at 4:33 amThanks, Priya! When I wrote this post months ago, I had no idea how much we would need a sip now.
andrea@thekitchenlioness
March 31, 2020 at 3:57 amDear David, what a cute story behind this drink! Those true (childhood) friendships are very rare and usually prove to be rather callenging to ‘keep alive’. Respect.
And this is not your mums fruit cocktail indeed…Your ‘props’ (if I may call them such) are very pretty and, oh, so elegant and your pics are truly fabulous.
Mehr liebe Grüße!
Andrea
Cocoa & Lavender
March 31, 2020 at 8:29 amThanks, my friend! We both have so many beautiful things in our cabinets — it’s fun to share them in the photos!
Yes, I love the fact that I have friends from my childhood. It has only been possible because of Facebook, for which I am grateful (until it becomes a political nightmare and then I stay away!).
andrea@thekitchenlioness
March 31, 2020 at 3:58 amDear David, what a cute story behind this drink! Those true (childhood) friendships are very rare and usually prove to be rather callenging to ‘keep alive’. Respect.
And this is not your mums fruit cocktail indeed…Your ‘props’ (if I may call them such) are very pretty and, oh, so elegant and your pics are truly fabulous.
Mehr liebe Grüße!
Andrea
Christina Conte
April 10, 2020 at 1:23 pmPomegranates are my favorite fruit and I love my Meyer lemons! This is absolutely a drink I would love! Thanks for the infused vodka idea and this cocktail recipe! Much appreciated, David!
Cocoa & Lavender
April 11, 2020 at 8:47 amYou are most welcome! It’s such a perfect thing to sip in warm weather!
Emma @ Bake Then Eat
April 22, 2020 at 8:20 pmI wish I could get Meyer lemons over here so I could make this cocktail, it sounds fab.
Emma @ Bake Then Eat
April 22, 2020 at 8:31 pmIts a shame Meyer lemons aren’t available in the UK as I would love to try this recipe, it sounds delicious.
Cocoa & Lavender
May 1, 2020 at 9:15 amI’m surprised Meyer lemons aren’t available there, Emma. I would recommend a fix — 50/50 lemon and orange juices. It won’t be perfect but it will work!
Marcelle
April 28, 2020 at 9:33 pmDavid, you are so right about good, old friends. No matter how much time passes between visits, it feels like you just pick up where you left off. 🙂 I’m lucky to have kept in touch with lots of people from different times in my life, and through the magic of Facebook, I’ve reconnected with people I otherwise never would have seen again! An Arden sounds refreshing and perfect for a hot summer evening! Great color too!!
Cocoa & Lavender
May 1, 2020 at 9:16 amYou would love an Arden on these warm spring evenings, Marcelle!