"I'll Always Be True" Violet Cocktail
INGREDIENTS
1/2 cup of ice
1-3/4 fl oz violet liqueur
1-1/4 oz vodka
1-3/4 oz clear chocolate liqueur
1 tbsp fresh creme fraiche
Crystallized violet petals
CREME FRAICHE:
1 cup whipping cream
2 tablespoons buttermilk
DIRECTIONS
Fill a cocktail shaker half full with ice. Add all ingredients then shake well. Strain into a cold Martini glass and sprinkle over crystallised violet petals. You can purchase them at The Spice House, Whole Foods, Trader Joe's, Sur La Table or your local specialty cook store.
CREME FRAICHE:
Combine whipping cream and buttermilk. Mix well. Put into a glass jar and cover. Let it stand at room temperature (no more than 70 degrees F) for 8 to 24 hours (or until thickened). Stir mixture well then refrigerate overnight. You can substitute creme fraiche with 1 tbsp of whipped cream if you prefer.
Provençal Honeymoon
Originally known as "The Bee's Knees" in 1920, England
The Provençal twist to this classic cocktail is the addition of lavender. This cocktail is variously described by Bon Appétit mavens as "unexpectedly delicious" and "a perfect balance of sharp, fragrant, sweet, and strong."
INGREDIENTS
1/4 cup hot water
1 teaspoon dried edible lavender blossoms*
1/4 cup honey
6 tablespoons gin
2 tablespoons lemon juice
*Lavender Blossoms are available at most health food stores.
DIRECTIONS
Mix hot water and dried lavender blossoms in bowl. Steep 5 full minutes.
Whisk in 1/4 cup honey. Strain into another bowl.
Add 3 tablespoons of the honey, gin, and lemon juice.
Pour into cocktail shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into 2 chilled Martini glasses.
Romantic Rosemary Lemonade
INGREDIENTS
2 sprigs of fresh rosemary
1/4 cup sugar
1 cup water
1 can frozen lemonade concentrate
DIRECTIONS
Add 2 sprigs rosemary, sugar and 1 cup water in a saucepan, bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes.
Set aside to cool, remove rosemary sprigs. Mix lemonade concentrate with 3 cans of water in a festive pitcher. Add the cooled rosemary and sugar mixture. Serve over crushed ice.
Optional: Garnish with small sprig of fresh rosemary.
Lavender Mint Tea Punch
INGREDIENTS
6 teaspoons dried mint
6 cups boiling water
1 tablespoon dried lavender blossoms
1 liter ginger ale (can substitute with a sugar-free brand)
1 cup purple grape juice
Ice cubes with a fresh mint leaf frozen inside each
DIRECTIONS
Brew mint leaves in boiling water in a teapot for ten full minutes.
Add lavender blossoms to the pot. Allow tea to cool.
Strain tea and add the ginger ale, grape juice and ice cubes.
If serving from a punch bowl, float mint sprigs and lavender flower buds on top
Diva Bonus Links to Make You Think!
- Flowers and their Meanings
- Read about culinary grade Lavender and visit The Spice House to order or visit your local Whole Foods or Trader Joe's.
- List of Edible Flowers and do's and dont's for cooking with them
Want more? Check out our floral infused recipes for scones, treats and more!
