Drinking at Home in Brooklyn

Spring is in the air! As such, it’s only fitting to create a cocktail for the occasion. What to make, though? Something floral, something fruity, something light…

I have been looking forward to using the Lavender Simple Syrup I made a few weeks ago in a new cocktail so I did a quick survey of our liquor cabinet to see what I thought would pair well with it. The maraschino liqueur jumped out at me right away—cherries and lavender seemed like a lovely combination. To keep it light, I thought vodka would do the trick. We have this bottle of buffalo grass infused vodka called Zubrowka that we’ve had for years and never seem to use because it’s herbal flavor doesn’t always match other drinks. But, for a springtime cocktail, it seemed just right. To accent the cherry flavor a bit, I incorporated a few sour cherries and a touch of the syrup they were preserved in. This added a nice fruitiness as well as a delightful red hue. I used an Italian variety of sour cherries I found at the nearby Union Market although I’m sure that any quality cherries would do.

La Primavera isn’t for everyone, but more than a few tasters found it’s big, distinctive flavor and bright red color palate-pleasing and addictive. I hope you enjoy it as much as we did!

La Primavera

Ingredients

• 2 oz. vodka (Zubrowka is nice but not necessary)
• 1 oz. maraschino liqueur
• 1 oz. lavender simple syrup
• sour cherries packed in syrup (garnish)
• dash of sour cherry syrup
• splash of seltzer

Directions

1. Measure vodka, maraschino liqueur and lavender simple syrup in a mixing glass. Add a dash of sour cherry syrup. Stir to combine. Pour over ice into an old fashioned glass.
2. Add a splash of seltzer to taste and stir gently to incorporate.
3. Spear 3 sour cherries onto a toothpick. Drop into the cocktail as a garnish.
4. Enjoy!

Yield: 1 drink

Lavender is one of my favorite scents and flavors. It’s like magic in drinks—it brings a wonderful floral aroma to a variety of concoctions. It pairs especially well with gin; the aromatic compounds in the lavender and juniper berries complement each other perfectly. Add a splash to your next gin and tonic!

Lavender is also delicious with lemons. One of my favorite summer drinks is a freshly-squeezed sparkling lemonade sweetened with Lavender Simple Syrup. It is delightful—a truly refreshing beverage on a hot day.

Lavender Simple Syrup is, just as the name implies, quite simple to make. You can use fresh or dried lavender, although keep in mind that you may need to use more fresh buds than dried since their flavor is not quite as potent. It can be a bit of a pain to de-stem the buds but trust me, this syrup is worth it.

Lavender Simple Syrup

Ingredients

• 1 C. sugar
• 1 C. water
• 2 T. dried lavender buds

Directions

1. In a small saucepan, combine the sugar and water. Bring to a boil over high heat.
2. Remove the syrup from the heat and add the lavender buds. Stir to combine.
3. Steep lavender for 1 hour in the syrup.
4. Strain the syrup into an airtight container or bottle. Syrup will keep for at least a month in the refrigerator.

Yield: 1 1/2 C.

Total Time: 1h 5 min.

Active Time: 5 min.