Cool Down With A Blackberry-Mint Libation

Posted on June 9, 2014 by Aprons & Stilettos

Blackberry-Mint Cocktail | Aprons & Stilettos

It’s hot. Real hot.

This morning I left the South Bay at 4am to head back to Sonoma wine country and when I walked outside I noticed it was surprisingly warm – 67 degrees to be exact. 67 degrees at 4am! I couldn’t believe it. From that moment on I knew it was going to be another hot one in Northern California.

Aprons Herb Garden

When I returned home after work, I spent some time taking care of my herb garden as I was out-of-town all weekend. While I was watering, the aromatic notes of mint, basil, rosemary and lemon balm captivated my thirst for a refreshing patio cocktail. I decided to rummage through my cocktail bar to see what concoction I could whip up in order to satisfy my craving. Using the ingredients I had on hand, I composed this easy to make and delightfully refreshing gin-blackberry-mint cocktail. The sweet, tart, and slightly bitter flavors in the berries perfectly complemented the mellow and refreshing notes in the mint.

Blackberry-Mint Cocktail | Aprons & Stilettos

Blackberry-Mint Libation

1 1/2 ounces gin
1 teaspoon agave nectar
Handful of blackberries (4-5)
Handful of fresh mint (4-5 leaves…depending in how “minty” you like it)
1/2 lime, freshly juiced
Soda water, float
Ice
Cocktail shaker

Muddle the blackberries, mint and gin in a cocktail shaker. Add ice, nectar and lime juice. Shake and strain in a glass filled with ice. Float with soda water and garnish with a mint sprig.

Looking for more herb-inspired cocktails? Check out:

Which cocktails are you enjoying as the weather heats up? Share with us on twitter @ApronsStilettos. ~Cheers, Crystal

Mulberry Me, Please…

Posted on June 27, 2013 by Aprons & Stilettos

Here we go round the mulberry bush,
The mulberry bush,
The mulberry bush.
Here we go round the mulberry bush
So early in the morning.

Each summer I look forward to harvesting red mulberries from our two Persian mulberry trees (yes, trees — they actually don’t grow on bushes.) Native to Asia, these large reddish-black berries are only available for a short period during the summer months and are similar in appearance to blackberries. The flavor? A succulent mix between sweet & tart. Great right off the tree, these berries are also fabulous in salads or… try reducing them down and drizzled on pound cake or ice cream or even used as a sauce for your favorite protein. Being that it’s summer, I’ve decided to make a deliciously refreshing cocktail using the fresh-picked mulberries. (Oh and by the way, if you have a tree or are working with mulberries — be careful as they stain!)

Lavender-Mulberry Muddle

20 medium sized Mulberries (or 10 large ones)*
1 tablespoon Lavender Simple Syrup (recipe below)
2 ounces vodka
5 mint leaves
Drizzle of honey
Fresh lemon juice, 1/2 lemon
Soda water, fill

Combine mulberries, mint, small drizzle of honey and simple syrup in cocktail shaker. Muddle until mulberries are juiced. Add ice, vodka and lemon juice. Shake and strain pulp using a sieve. Pour over ice in glass and garnish with extra mulberries and lavender sprig. Cheers to summer! ~Crystal

Lavender Simple Syrup

1 cup sugar
1/2 cup water
2 tablespoons lavender buds (fresh or dried)

Bring sugar, water and lavender to a boil in a small saucepan. Simmer until sugar has dissolved. Remove from heat and let steep for 15 – 30 mins. Strain lavender buds and transfer syrup to a container with lid. Refrigerate for up to a month. BTW – This recipe makes more then needed for one cocktail. Since you can store it for a while in the ‘fridge, experiment this syrup in other cocktails, over Greek yogurt, ice cream or as a sweetener substitute. Share with us how you used your lavender syrup on twitter @ApronsStilettos or in the comments below.

*I used mulberries since we have two beautiful trees in the backyard. Your specialty markets may carry them so ask around. Raspberries can certainly be substituted. Just remember that they will be slightly more tart than mulberries. Experiment and share with us your spin on this cocktail!

Jalapeño-Watermelon Margaritas

Posted on May 3, 2013 by Aprons & Stilettos

This twist on a classic cocktail is sweet, spicy and PERFECT for summer! Get creative and try adding any smoked salt to the rim for a smoky layer that will pair perfectly with the sweet & spicy elements in the cocktail.

This recipe works best if you have a juicer to juice the watermelon and jalapeños. If you don’t have a juicer – don’t worry! See our variation below.

2 ounces tequila (blanco)
2 ounces watermelon, juiced
½ ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
½ ounce jalapeño juice
½ ounce triple sec
Coarse salt or smoked salt for rim

Preparation:
Juice your watermelon, jalapeño and lime in a juicer and set aside. Make sure you wash your hands thoroughly after juicing the jalapeño. Rim your glass with coarse or smoked salt. The easiest way to do this is to lightly wet the rim with a lime wedge and place the rim on a plate filled with salt. Next, place all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with a handful of ice. Shake vigorously and strain into a cocktail glass full of ice. Garnish with fresh watermelon slice.

Variation (If you don’t have a juicer…)
Muddle 1/2 – 1 jalapeño (depending on how spicy you like your drink) in the cocktail shaker. Chop the watermelon into small cubes and puree in a blender or food processor until smooth. Strain the juice into a cocktail shaker along with the remaining ingredients. Shake, strain and garnish!

Enjoy. ~Crystal

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