Firefly’s Wildflower Martini

Bottoms Up

By Lynda Wheatley | Jan. 30, 2021

January’s mild temps notwithstanding, who Up North couldn’t use just a nip of springtime now and again? On a recent gray day, we slipped into one of Firefly’s toasty little greenhouses — literally toasty; a small space heater in the back enabled us to slip off all our winter gear and sit quite comfortably — and found, to our delight, a Wildflower Martini ($12) on the menu.

Even more delightful was its taste: fresh and snappy but none too sweet, thanks to an emphasis on the tart flavors and essences of grapefruit juice, lemon, and an orange citrus twist. The addition of pretty much any cocktail’s best friend, Pama Liqueur, and a foundation of Firefly’s own house-infused basil vodka — an unexpected infusion we suspect makes this cocktail so singularly superb — did some infusing of its own, with a little spring into our step. Woolen hats off for this one, indeed. Find it at Firefly, 310 N. Cass St.,  in Traverse City. (231) 932-1310, tcfirefly.com