I love drinks made with fresh juices and I'm always looking for new recipes! The other night at Hyde Park, one of my favorite bars in Cleveland my friend Tony introduced me to this one. He called it "The Vision', possibly because after a few of them he was seeing lovely things. His original "Vision " is made with fresh Pineapple Juice and Grand Marnier. I've always loved Grand Marnier, but I've recently discovered a wonderful new orange liqueur that I like even better. It's a triple orange liqueur called Gran Gala, and I think that it has a sweeter , lovelier flavor than Grand Marnier which tends to be a bit bitter for my liking. Gran Gala is a delicious Italian liqueur, made with Sicilian orange peels that have been infused in VSOP Brandy. It is my understanding that the Sicilian oranges are sweeter, resulting in a more flavorful distillation. It certainly seems to be that way and I've tried Gran Gala in Margaritas and I've used a splash of it in my Bloody Mary's and it's delightful over fresh pineapple for dessert. When I discovered that, I thought, "Why not try it in the Vision?
So I did and discovered that I liked it better. I've made a few more adjustments to the original recipe as well. I love the taste of Captain Morgan's Private Reserve Rum, to me it tastes and smells so much like a wonderful perfume that I'd love to rub it behind my ears. I added a bit of it to "The Vision" and discovered that it really became an incredible drink. I love to serve it in a tall glass that I've dipped in orange juice and rimmed with a bit a sugar. I usually garnish it with a spear of fresh pineapple but you could also do the traditional orange wedge and maraschino cherry on a toothpick, it would be totally appropriate!
I've listed both versions here just in case you feel that the rum is gilding the lily! Do try the Gran Gala though for either, it's deliciously different and you'll love it!

For one drink you will need:

Fresh Pineapple juice

1 jigger of Gran Gala Triple Orange Liqueur

1/2 jigger of Captain Morgan Private reserve Rum (Optional)

Lots of ice

Sugar for rimming the glass

! orange slice to wet the rim of the glass for dipping in the sugar


Take the highball glass and wet the rim with the orange slice and then dip the rim into the sugar. Let the rim dry before proceeding any further.
After the sugared rim has dried, add the ice to the glass and pour the fresh pineapple juice over the ice. Add the Gran Gala and stir gently and if you want it add the rum.
There you have it, one of the most refreshing drinks that I know of. Enjoy!

For more information on Gran Gala here's the url, https://www.grangala.com