ROCKLAND — Stacy Campbell, a bartender at Archer’s on the Pier in Rockland, has been experimenting with creating a holiday drink for about a month now and her very tasty (and timely) invention is the Cranberry Compass Rose.

As to what’s the meaning behind the cocktail’s name? “It’s going to point you in the right direction and keep you feeling rosy,” said Campbell.

Ooh, but this one is tricky. Gonna sneak right up on ya! “It’s tart, with a little sweetness, but with very clean ingredients and refreshing,” said Campbell. “You’ve got to watch it though. It makes you forget you’re even drinking a cocktail.”

The two special ingredients, fresh Maine cranberries and St. Germaine liqueur, can be easily found in the Midcoast. Campbell's version uses a simple syrup made from boiled down cranberries from Moody Farm Cranberry Bog in Lincolnville, just after peak harvest season. The cranberries are dry-harvested, which is the only way they can be sold fresh. Campbell said Archer’s on the Pier makes all of its accompanying juices and simple syrups from scratch. A bottle of St. Germaine can be found in most local liquor and grocery stores.

"The more it is shaken up over ice and the more it blends with the ice in the glass, the more balanced the flavor," said Campbell. "So, let it sit just a while."

Watch the video to see how the cocktail is made. You’ll need:

• 2 shots of Hendrick’s gin
• ¾ shot of St. Germaine, a liqueur made with fresh wild elderflowers picked in the Alps
• ¼ shot of fresh squeezed lemon juice
• ¼ shot of fresh cranberry simple syrup
• Sprigs of fresh basil
• Orange peel
• Whole cranberries

Anecdotal evidence shows the night before Thanksgiving to be one of the biggest drinking nights at bars and restaurants everywhere. So, watch your intake (and drive safely) if you try one at Archer’s on the Pier. Better yet, get the ingredients and make this your signature cocktail at home for the holidays. Happy T-Day!

Kay Stephens can be reached at kaystephens@penbaypilot.com.