Last week Joel and I had dinner with our friend Kay to celebrate Joel’s birthday. For a present, she gave him what I thought was a candle snuffer. What a great gift! Turns out, it was actually a simple, yet quite beautiful, cocktail jigger — even better. (Do you think Kay had me in mind when she picked it out?)

All week I’ve been eyeing the jigger with its pretty gold handle. Tonight, on this hot and muggy first day of August, I arrived home from walking the dog in need of something cold to revive me. Even though there was a bottle of rosé waiting for me in the fridge, I was in the mood for something different.

And I wanted to use that jigger!

When I noticed the two vermouths on the refrigerator door, it was at that moment that I realized what I wanted (and needed): A French Kiss.

The French Kiss Cocktail Recipe

Makes 1 drink

Ingredients:

2 ounces Gonzalez Byass La Copa Rojo sweet vermouth

2 ounces Gonzalez Byass La Copa Extra Seco dry vermouth

1 twist of lemon peel (and, if you love lemon like I do, a small squeeze of the juice as well)

Instructions

1) Fill an old fashioned glass with ice. Pour both vermouths into the glass. Stir, twist lemon peel over drink, and drop in.

Ta da, like magic, a simple, refreshing aperitif had appeared — a perfect beginning to a sweltering August evening.

THE VERMOUTHS

Both vermouths are made in Jerez, Spain by the prestigious sherry producer Bodegas González Byass.

The extra dry was inspired by an original recipe dating back to 1896 and was still preserved in González Byass’ historical archives. It was then known as “French Vermouth.” The slightly sweet red vermouth is also made using recipes from the winery’s archives. It has hints of cloves and cinnamon with an appealing bitterness on the finish.

The suggested retail price for each bottle is $24.99.