Honey Rosemary Gin-Gin

Wisconsin was recently hit with several weeks of subzero temperatures, so we were in desperate need of something to remind us of spring. We called on Waterloo Gin (made with juniper, coriander and anise, with flavors and aromas of pecans, lavender and grapefruit zest) to make a wonderful cocktail to lift our spirits, so to speak.

We combined the gin with a flavorful honey rosemary syrup, lemon juice, and ez ginger soda, an organic soda made with just five simple ingredients: water, Stevia, ginger, agave, and citrus.

While Lauren’s husband says this cocktail “tastes like plants,” we find it to be much more complex, with an elegant balance of citrus flavor, botanicals, and just the right amount of sweetness. We appreciate his honesty though, and we’ll let him stick to his beer. 😉

If you’re a cocktail lover and especially a gin drinker, we think you’ll love this one as much as we do. Cheers!

Honey Rosemary Syrup Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup water
  • 3 Tbsp honey
  • 1 sprig of rosemary

Cocktail Ingredients:

To start, you’ll want to make your Honey Rosemary syrup. Heat water over medium heat for about 5 minutes, then add honey and rosemary, stirring until honey is dissolved and mixture is fragrant. Remove the sprig of rosemary and set syrup aside to cool.

Once the syrup has cooled, it’s time to make the cocktail! First, fill a highball glass with ice. Then add the gin, syrup, and lemon juice. Top with ginger soda and stir. Garnish with a lemon wheel and sprig of rosemary. Enjoy!

Orange Is The New Blackberry

Somewhere in between an Old Fashioned and a Whiskey Smash, our Orange is the New Blackberry cocktail is the perfect drink to enjoy on International Whisk(e)y Day!

You’ll need everything pictured above, plus some honey! Our favorite is Gentle Breeze!

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1.5 oz 45th Parallel Distillery New Richmond Rye Whiskey
  • 1.5 oz 45th Parallel Distillery Madison Avenue Orangecello
  • Klarbrunn Berry Blend sparkling water
  • 1 orange
  • 7-10 blackberries
  • drizzle of honey

INSTRUCTIONS:

  1. Muddle 5-7 blackberries and 1-2 orange slices with a generous drizzle of honey in a whiskey glass.
  2. Fill glass with ice and add New Richmond Rye and Orangecello.
  3. Stir well.
  4. Top with sparkling water.
  5. Garnish with an orange slice and remaining blackberries!
  6. Enjoy!

We hope everyone has a safe and healthy International Whiskey Day! Cheers!

Ruby Red Royale

We just created a new cocktail that is delicious and refreshing, no matter the season. With fresh fruit to remind you of summer, and champagne and liqueurs that add a touch of class, you’ll be serving this drink all year round, from holiday gatherings to pool parties!

Ingredients:

Start by filling a glass about 1/3 to 1/2 full with blueberries and pomegranate seeds.

Add vodka, liqueur, and simple syrup to glass and stir.

Top with champagne or prosecco.

Garnish with piece of pomegranate and enjoy!

Aquavit Hot Toddy

We’re already getting lots of snow in Wisconsin so we were inspired to create this drink to help us stay warm and cozy!

To make two toddies you’ll need:

  • 1/2 tsp cardamom pods
  • 1/2 tsp black peppercorns
  • 3 anise stars (one for the syrup and one to garnish each drink)
  • 2 Tbsp water
  • 2 Tbsp sugar
  • 2 Tbsp honey
  • 2 cups apple cider
  • 4 oz aquavit (we used the Celebration Aquavit from 45th Parallel Distillery!)

Instructions:

  1. Begin by heating the apple cider on the stove. While it is warming up, we’ll make a spiced honey simple syrup.
  2. Heat cardamom, peppercorns, and star anise in a dry sauce pan over medium heat, stirring and crushing them against the pan until fragrant.
  3. After about 2 minutes, add water and sugar, and bring to a simmer, stirring frequently to dissolve sugar.
  4. Let cool.
  5. Stir in the honey and add to the heated cider.
  6. Once the mixture is heated thoroughly, remove from heat and stir in aquavit.
  7. Serve immediately in mugs, and garnish with star anise.

Enjoy!

Dirty Shirleys (Adult Shirley Temples)

We just received our monthly Lolly Box from Lollies By Leah and we got some Shirley Temple lollipops that put us in the mood for some Dirty Shirleys.

For this recipe, we reached for our Azeo Distillery Vodka distilled from apples, Pratt Standard True Grenadine Syrup (which is made with natural, real ingredients, and way less sickly sweet than the typical stuff you might be familiar with!), and some Lime Waterloo Sparkling Water (less sweet and more crisp and refreshing than a 7UP or ginger ale). For garnish, we obviously had to go with the Shirley Temple lollies, but of course maraschino cherries are the classic way to go.

Here’s our recipe so you can kick back and end your Monday with a tasty Dirty Shirley too.

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz Azeo Vodka
  • 1 oz Pratt Standard True Grenadine Syrup
  • 4 oz Lime Waterloo Sparkling Water
  • Shirley Temple lollipops or maraschino cherries for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Fill a glass with ice.
  2. Pour vodka over ice and top with sparkling water.
  3. Drizzle grenadine over the top, or slowly pour it into the drink along the side of the glass so that it sinks to the bottom.
  4. Garnish with a Shirley Temple lollipop or 1-2 maraschino cherries.
  5. Enjoy!