Joël Antunes has created an elegant drink that highlights his equally elegant restaurant Joël. (You'd think he has enough to do running a four-star restaurant and all). He calls it the "lik," which stands for "life is knowledge" (for some of us, anyway).

But this one's simple: Antunes chills Vox raspberry vodka and pours it into a sugar-rimmed glass. Straight. Vox is distilled from wheat and has a reputation for smoothness. The kicker? A pretty little raspberry lollipop.

(ENLARGE)
Joel's Lik Cocktail
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No time to cook up a batch of candy? Antunes will sell you his lollipops for a buck apiece at the restaurant. (The chef recommends a Jolly Rancher as a substitute.) Or try a cherry Tootsie Roll Pop instead. The chocolate gives the drink an extra oomph while doubling for a major food group. No need to fasten those seat belts; this is not going to be a bumpy ride.

—Meridith Ford

JOËL'S LIK COCKTAIL

1 serving

Simple syrup (Bring 1 cup granulated sugar and 1 cup water to a boil; remove from heat and add a lemon wedge. Chill.)

Granulated sugar

41/2 ounces Vox raspberry vodka, chilled

Raspberry (or other flavor) lollipop

Dip the rim of a martini glass into the simple syrup, covering about a 1/4 inch of the rim. Dip immediately in the sugar. Chill the glass.

Pour the chilled vodka into the glass. Garnish with a lollipop.