It had been a long and busy week, and we would not be the full complement for dinner. So we decided to break the usual injunction against drinking anything blue, and looked for a cocktail featuring Hpnotiq, the on-and-off darling of the club scene.

Unsurprisingly, there are numerous cocktails that feature Hpnotiq, a fifteen-year-old creation that blends vodka, cognac, and fruit juice. So many choices! But my tastes were decidedly sour that day, so I opted for this little tart, the simple but deadly Hypnotizing Pussy.

For each drink, combine

• 2 oz. Hpnotiq
• 2 oz. Sour Puss Raspberry

Shake with ice and strain into an ice-filled glass. You could garnish with fresh raspberries or fruit slices.

The verdict: This stripped-down cocktail is sour and satisfying! If you prefer something a little sweeter, you could add a small amount of simple syrup to the shaker before shaking, but two members of the communopoly prefer the full tang of this drink as is. Also, the punch of this cocktail may sneak up on you, so pour with caution. Enjoy!