Celebrity Inspiration: George Clooney

On returning to the Hotel Cipriani after a special screening of his new film Good Night, Good Luck at the 62nd Venice Film Festival, actor George Clooney asked his old friend and head barman of the hotel's Gabbiano Bar, Walter Bolzonella, to mix him a cocktail. Bolzonella concocted a refreshing blend of lemons, ginger, sugar, and vodka, which he christened "Buona Notte" in honor of the film which Clooney directed and stared in. The cocktail became an instant hit, especially with Clooney himself, who enjoyed more than one with his friends that evening. Today, the Buona Notte is one of the top drinks prepared at Hotel Cipriani, and while some may find its $25 price steep, the cocktail can be made at home, while admiring Clooney's magnificent figure, making any night a good one.

Ingredients
½ Unpeeled lemon, diced into small pieces
1 tsp Cane sugar
1 Cucumber peel strip
1 Ginger round
3-4 Drops of angostura
50g Vodka
50g Cranberry juice

Directions
Mix lemon, sugar, cucumber peel, ginger, and angostura in an old fashion cocktail glass. Then add vodka and cranberry juice. Complete with ice flakes and serve with a straw.