I've been so busy over the last few months. My oldest son got married and for weeks before the wedding a million things were buzzing around my head. However, I would like to dedicate this first post to my beautiful new daughter-in-law. Now that things have settled down somewhat, I decided it was fitting to congratulate the couple with a delicious drink. Champagne was so last month, especially in our house! A vibrant cocktail is far more apt. Indian weddings are colourful affairs, so I think a Pomegranate & Orange Martini infused with a hint of Cardamom fits the bill; an homage to the nuptials.

Pomegranate & Orange Martini with a hint of Cardamom

• 35ml Vodka

• 105ml Orange Juice (freshly squeezed)

• Fresh Pomegranate

• Pinch of Ground Cardamom

• Orange Rind

Place the vodka and orange juice into a cocktail shaker and squeeze in a quarter of the fresh pomegranate. Don't worry if any of the seeds fall in. Add a pinch of ground green cardamom. Place the top onto the shaker and shake away. Pour the 'shaken' martini into a martini glass and add a long curled piece of orange rind.

So there we have my colourful and refreshing cocktail...and all that remains for me to say is 'Congratulations darling and welcome to the family!'