The Perfect Cocktail..

In the summer heat there is nothing better than a perfect cocktail, and fresh herbs from the garden can make that perfect cocktail taste even better. I have found the best way to incorporate fresh herbs into a cocktail is with an herb infused simple syrup. A couple of my favorite herb infused simple syrups are lavender, sage and mint.

To incorporate the herbs in your simple syrup do the following. Combine 2 cups water with 2 cups of granulated sugar in a saucepan.  Bring to a boil and stir until sugar dissolves.  Remove from heat and add 1 cup of loosely packed sage, 3 tablespoons of lavender buds or 1 cup of loosely packed fresh mint.  Cover for 1 hour.  Strain into an airtight container and refrigerate until ready to use. Now that you have your flavorful simple syrup you can make a tasty cocktail!

Lavender Mint Mojito                    Makes 2

Ingredients

2 sprigs of Fresh mint, leaves picked
1 Lime, quartered
2 tbsp oz Mint Simple Syrup
3 tbsp Lavender Simple Syrup

1 tbsp plain sugar
3.5 oz Rum
Splash of Club Soda
Fresh Sliced Mint Leaves, for garnish

Method

Muddle mint leaves, lime and plain sugar in an old fashion glass or martini shaker.  Add flavored simple syrups and rum.  Top with crushed ice and pour club soda on top to fill glass. Stir and add mint leaves for garnish.















Blackberry Sage Martini                                Makes 2 martinis

Ingredients

¼ orange cut into wedges
8 Fresh Blackberries

½ tbsp plain sugar
¼ c Sage Syrup

½ tsp Dry Vermouth
4 fl. oz 'Your Favorite' Vodka
2 Orange Slices, for garnish

Method

Muddle blackberries, orange wedges and plain sugar in an old fashion glass or martini shaker.  Add flavored simple syrups, vodka and vermouth.  Add 1/2 cup of ice and close shaker.  Shake vigorously and pour into a chilled martini glass.  Garnish with orange slice and blackberry.

CHEERS!!