This text is part of the special Pleasures notebook
A 100% local syrup that is easy to make and transform into a festive or alcohol-free cocktail. We like the idea that young and old can toast with the same drink (alcohol optional for adults). Perfect for celebrating at the start of the year, delicious in all seasons!
Syrup
½ cup (125 ml) honey
½ cup (125 ml) water
1 C. teaspoon (5 ml) dried lavender flowers
A 2-inch piece of local ginger (fresh or thawed)
Cocktail with/without alcohol
¾ cup (180 ml) verjuice (3/4 oz per glass)
1.2 liters of sparkling water (5 oz per glass)
Ice cubes
Local gin or other local spirit to taste (optional)
Preparation
1. In a small pot, combine all the syrup ingredients. Bring to the boil and leave to macerate for four hours in the fridge, or until the next day.
2. Pass the syrup through a sieve. Reserve in a cool place.
3. To serve, use for each glass: ¾ oz syrup, ¾ oz verjuice and 5 oz sparkling water and ice cubes. For the adult version, add the chosen alcohol to taste.
Note
If you don’t have verjuice on hand, you can consider options that provide fruity acidity, such as white cranberry juice. We tested Mori’s Alcide vinegar “ceci n’est pas un citron” by reducing the quantity to ⅓ or ½ oz per glass: the acidity being a little sharper than in verjuice, add it gradually while tasting to get a dosage to your liking.
This content was produced by the Special Publications team at Duty, relating to marketing. The writing of the Duty did not take part.