For the group art show, Lunation: Art on the Moon, I've come up with two new lunar inspired cocktails. The Honeymoon, a milk and honey concoction spiked with sandalwood oil, and Dark Side of the Moon, a chocolatey tangerine libation accented with jasmine oil.

The Dark Side of the Moon is made with homemade tangerine vodka which is incredibly easy to make. The most difficult part is shaving the fragile fragrant peel of the fruit while not taking the bitter pith with it. I used the skin of one Satsuma tangerine per cup of vodka. Simply place the peel and vodka in a jar and give it a good shake every few hours and it should be ready in under 24 hours. Strain out the peel and you're ready to tend bar.

The recipe also calls for homemade creme de cacao. The store bought variety with it's synthetic chocolate flavor might work but once you've had the real thing you can't conceive of drinking the adulterated version.

Creme de Cacao

one cup sugar

two cups water

one ounce unsweetened chocolate

one half teaspoon vanilla

one cup vodka

In a medium pan combine sugar and water. Boil on medium high heat until the mixture is reduced to half its original volume, about 20 minutes. About five minutes before the syrup is done melt chocolate in a two cup or larger container. Immediately and very slowly pour hot syrup into the melted chocolate, stirring vigorously while pouring. If mixture is not completely smooth and blended beat with a mixer or in a blender. Cool mixture for 30 minutes. Add vanilla and vodka. Blend well. Immediately pour into a clean sterile bottle or jar with a tight fitting lid or cap.

The secret ingredient of Dark Side of the Moon is the drop of jasmine absolute, diluted to 5% strength. Jasmine has long been associated with the moon and adds a narcotic floral body to the cocktail.

Dark Side of the Moon

one jigger tangerine infused vodka

one jigger creme de cacao

two drop jasmine absolute, 5%

Give the combined ingredients a good shake and strain into a chilled martini glass, or serve over ice.

The Honeymoon is made with homemade oat and honey vodka made by soaking rolled oats and honey in vodka for three weeks. To make one cup of vodka use a half cup of rolled oats and a scant quarter cup of honey. There are many varieties of honey so pick one you like, preferably a milder one. Shake it all up in a clean sterile jar and macerate in a cool dark place and make sure to give it a good shake daily. Filter through a paper coffee filter into a clean bottle. Straining can be a little challenging so be patient.

The Honeymoon also calls for sandalwood oil in a dilution of 10%, and a teaspoon of Chamomile Water.

The Honeymoon

one jigger honey oat infused vodka

one jigger milk

one drop sandalwood oil, 10%

1/8 teaspoon chamomile water

Give the combined ingredients a good shake and pour over ice.

Better late than never! I've been remiss in posting the recipes for the last batch of cocktails, so without further ado:

The Arrow

one jigger cinnamon infused vodka
one jigger creme de cacao
one drop jasmine absolute, 5%
splash of club soda

Give the combined ingredients a
good shake and strain into a chilled martini glass.

Breakfast of Champions

1 jigger honey oat infused vodka
one jigger milk
1 drop sandalwood oil, 10%
1/8 teaspoon chamomile water

Give the combined ingredients a good shake and strain into a
chilled martini glass.

The Barry White

1 jigger star anise infused vodka
1 jigger creme de cacoa
1/2 ounce POM
4 drops blood orange dilution, 10%

Give the combined ingredients a good shake and strain

into a chilled martini glass.

All of the essential oil dilutions and chamomile water can be found at www.herbalalchemy.net.