Not so much a cocktail this time as much as an event. Highlighted as Rita’s favorite drink in the 1993 movie “Groundhog Day,” the simple Sweet Vermouth on the Rocks with a Twist, has become a staple drink to make for every enthusiast out there. Finally getting my timing right this year I decided I was overdue.

For a good “Groundhog Day” cocktail it’s important to get a good sweet vermouth. Raise your eyes off of the bottom shelf and spend more than 8 dollars on a bottle. Trust me for this, and a good Manhattan, you’ll thank me later.

For my day to day needs I go with the Dolin Rouge vermouth as it’s a nice mixer and actually does wonders in various dishes in the kitchen. This French Vermouth will run you around $16 per 750mL bottle, and it’s well worth it.

As for the drink itself it’s been debated on whether or not to use a twist of lemon or orange, but really I’d say the difference is negligible and adds more aroma than anything else. A good vermouth will have a spicy nose, and a balanced and slightly “sweet” flavor for the deep red/copper color. The after taste brings warm notes of citrus and a slight smokiness.

If you were living the same day over and over this drink might get boring, but for something different on a friday night, why not give it a try.

The Groundhog Day

1 1/2 to 2 oz Sweet Vermouth
Lemon or Orange Twist

Straight build in a rocks glass over ice. Rub the twist around the glass’ rim and drop it in.