Are we still talking gardening? Oh yes we are—garden style! And why not? We drink herbs with our tea, veggies with our dinner, why not in our drinks?
Aromatic and flavorful, herbs and veggies make the perfect accompaniment to happy hour. Mojitios are the first example that come to mind (probably because the heroine in my current “work-in-progress” loves them). Made with fresh mint and rum, this drink has gained in recent popularity. A contemporary step up from the Mint Julep, perhaps? And of course Bloody Mary’s have been utilizing the celery stick for eons. Why not throw in a few sprigs of cilantro to the mix? Give it a sassy salsa kick!
Speaking of sassy twists, how about an adult version of my Rosemary Lemonade? A little vodka, anyone? Would make for a lovely summer afternoon treat, if you ask me. One of my new favorites is cinnamon basil. Add it to a vodka martini and suddenly you have a unique and fragrant twist! Olives are SO yesterday. If you miss the sword, add a cinnamon stick! I’m just sayin’…
It seems to be a trend. One restaurant in NYC combines ruby-red grapefruit juice and Thai basil. But basil would be perfectly comfortable in and around most summer libations. It’s light, sweet and richly perfumed. Now I might be talking crazy here, but what about a little cilantro in that Margarita? Works for me!
For delicate taste buds consider cucumber and chamomile. Maybe a little ginger to help your belly in the process? And if you’re growing raspberries this summer? Plop those babies into a glass of champagne. I think I’m relaxing already….aahh…. 🙂
Speaking of vodka, this is the absolute most flexible alcohol for mixing with your garden. I mean, you can infuse this crystal clear liquid with most anything creating your own custom-made elixir. Simply add your freshly washed herb/veggie of choice to unflavored vodka, seal, shake and store. Ta-da! Now key here is to allow the concoction to sit for a few days. Taste as you go until it’s just right. Hmm… I’m thinking rosemary and lavender, sweet stevia and blueberry, strawberry—even hot pepper for another round of Bloody Mary’s! (Oops. Did I miss the first one?)
Anyway, it’s always a good idea to keep our minds open and try new things in this wonderful life of ours. Don’t want to grow old and stale. Ewe. Definitely not. I thought I’d toss a few of these ideas out there and let them fly. What do you think? Are you game?
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