The Finish Line

You earned every sip.

A triumphant, revitalizing cocktail built for the moment you cross the finish line — exhausted, elated, and absolutely unstoppable. Tart cherry and fresh citrus echo the burn in your legs, while a honey-ginger base soothes and replenishes, and a celebratory prosecco float captures that explosive burst of joy at mile 26.2. Every layer of this drink tells the story: the grind, the surge, and the sweet, bubbling glory of victory.

Ingredients

• 2 oz tart cherry juice
• 1 oz vodka (or omit for mocktail)
• ¾ oz fresh lemon juice
• ½ oz fresh orange juice
• ½ oz honey-ginger syrup (equal parts honey & water, simmered with 1-inch fresh ginger, cooled)
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters
• 2 oz chilled prosecco (to float)
• Large ice cube or sphere

Instructions

1. Make the honey-ginger syrup: Combine ½ cup honey, ½ cup water, and 3–4 slices of fresh ginger in a small saucepan. Simmer on low for 5 minutes, stir, remove from heat, and let cool completely. Strain out ginger.
2. Add the vodka (if using), tart cherry juice, lemon juice, orange juice, honey-ginger syrup, and Angostura bitters into a cocktail shaker.
3. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 12–15 seconds — really earn it.
4. Place a large ice cube or sphere into your glass.
5. Double-strain the cocktail over the ice into the glass.
6. Slowly pour the chilled prosecco over the back of a spoon to create a celebratory effervescent float on top.
7. Lightly torch or hold a flame near the cut end of the rosemary sprig to release its oils, then lay it across the top of the glass.
8. Garnish with the dehydrated orange wheel resting against the rosemary. Add the medal charm to the rim if using. Serve immediately.