lady lavender’s lovely libation

I raise a glass in honor of the bounty of summer my garden keeps bestowing on me and my 100th follower.

I can’t recall which blogger I was reading lately who said we write these blogs for our readers and our followers.  I’ll agree somewhat.  I am delighted that 100 people out there follow me in their reader and in their in-boxes.  I am honored that people I don’t know take the time to think about what I’ve written and some even then actually make a recipe I’ve talked about.  That’s high praise.  And I thank you.

On the weekends at the distillery we serve mini cocktails.  We make 2 very different, but incredible gins.  Gin #3 is bright and crisp.  Gin #1 is big and round.   This weekend (and next, in case you want stop by) we served a Lavender, Gin #3 & tonic. This drink is quite tasty and perfect for summer since my lavender is in bloom.

There was time, not too long ago that I did not like gin.  A few years ago, I was visiting my mutha and step-father.  He asked who wanted a martini before dinner.  I gleefully chimed in.  I took one sip and was immediately horrified.  Not only was I expecting vodka, but I certainly wasn’t expecting the mass produced gin in a jug they served me.  I just know it was undrinkable.  Really, I poured it down the drain.

When we began our gin experiments, I wasn’t the first to rush and try it out. But our distillers sort of sneak stuff in.  Taste this.  What is it?  Just taste it.  Oooooh that’s tasty.  That’s gin.  The gins that are being produced by the microdistilleries are delicate and balanced unlike the commercial gins, which I find harsh or overly perfumed.

Lavender, Gin #3, and Tonic… dedicated to Sybarite Sauvage for being my 100th.  (kinda makes me sound like a slut 😉 )
3/4 – 1 oz lavender simple syrup
1 1/2- 2 oz Gin #3
Pour over ice in a rocks glass topped with your favorite tonic.

lavender simple syrup
1 cup lavender (leaves, stems & buds rough cut with scissors)
1 cup sugar
1 cup water
Bring to a boil and let simmer 5ish minutes, remove from heat and let sit another 5 minutes and strain.

enjoy a cocktail on your porch!  and in case you’ve missed some of my other garden cocktails, check here and here.