New Year’s resolution No. 1: Wake up under a man instead of magazines. Resolution No. 2: Consume less booze. Unless it facilitates No. 1.

Ring in 2009 with a festive holiday drink by local mixologist Dave Osborne.

Harvest Pumpkin Cocktail
Serves two

Ingredients
3 oz. pumpkin-infused vodka (see below)
1 oz. grade A maple syrup
½ oz. fresh lemon juice (about half a lemon)

Pumpkin-Infused Vodka
2 l vodka
Roasted flesh of one small pumpkin (sugar pie variety preferred)
2 cinnamon sticks
2 whole nutmegs
1 fresh bay leaf
5 whole cloves
1 vanilla bean, split

1. Combine pumpkin-infused vodka ingredients in a glass jar. Let infuse for a minimum of five days.

2. Strain solids from pumpkin-infused vodka. Filter through a coffee filter or funnel to remove remaining bits and pieces.

3. Combine vodka with syrup and lemon juice and shake over ice. Strain into a chilled martini glass.

4. Garnish with a lemon twist or roasted pumpkin seeds.

Bottoms up.

To book Dave Osborne for your holiday soiree, e-mail lazarus1300@yahoo.com.