Lemon and Rosemary Martini

Tags

cocktail, gin, gluten free, lemon, martini, rosemary, Southern

One of my favorite things about living in Lexington is the food scene. We have tons of new restaurants and food based events. This past week, we had Burger Week; 36 establishments created and sold a $5 specialty burger. Some were creative, using things like kimchi or other non-traditional toppings. Others were more traditional but used high end ingredients like homemade corned beef with homemade kraut and dressing. This week encourages you to go out and try new places.

While at Napa Prime, located between Lexington and Versailles, I was pleased to see a Lemon and Rosemary Martini on the menu. Though I drank sangria that night, I was inspired to go home and create. Below is my version. Multiply this recipe by the number of total drinks you want to make…. Or just be selfish and make one only for you….

Lemon and Rosemary Martini

• 2 oz gin (or vodka if you prefer) *use gluten free spirits for gluten free version
• 1 oz lemon juice
• 1 oz simple syrup
• 1 sprig of fresh rosemary
• Ice, preferably crushed
• Lemon peel and additional rosemary to garnish

In a cocktail shaker, combine the gin, juice, syrup and the rosemary sprigs. Top with ice and then shake vigorously. Strain and pour into a martini glass. Garnish with the lemon peel and a rosemary sprig. Serves 1.

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A Derby Cocktail – Raspberry and Thyme Gin and Tonics

Tags

beverage, cocktail, gin, Hopportunity, Kentucky Derby, Kentucky Proud, raspberry, thyme, tonic

My favorite summer cocktail is the Blackberry and Basil Gin and Tonic. Right now my basil plants are tiny but my thyme is really growing like gangbusters. It inspired me to make these new gin and tonics. I really enjoyed them! Either of these cocktails are delicious and would be great served at your Derby party. Have you picked a horse yet? You can check them out here. My pick is Hoppertunity. How did I pick him? I looked for the prettiest horse but all are brown/black. Then I read the names. Hoppertunity is the mosty food/drink oriented horse of the group. Who doesn’t love hops? What horse will you be betting on?

Raspberry and Thyme Gin and Tonics

• 12 raspberries
• 4 large sprigs of thyme, bruised to release flavor
• 2 lemons
• 1/4 cup simple syrup
• 12 ounces gin
• Tonic water
• Ice

Set out four high ball glasses. Place 3 raspberries, a thyme sprig, juice of ½ lemon, and 1 tablespoon simple syrup in each glass; muddle together. Fill each glass with ice, followed by 3 ounces of gin. Top off each drink with tonic water, stir and serve. Makes 4 drinks.

Limoncello-Gin Cocktail with Thyme

Tags

citrus, cocktail, gin, Italian, lemon, limoncello, thyme

Here is the first recipe I made using my Homemade Limoncello. It turned out pretty tasty. I plan on a part 2 post; I just haven’t gotten around to it yet. So much has been going on this summer. It’s hard enough to get a blog post up some day. Good thing I like the blog world and all it’s lovely people so well!

Limoncello-Gin Cocktail with Thyme (a variation of this recipe)

• 2 large sprigs fresh thyme
• 1/2 fl. oz.  fresh lime juice
• 1-1/2 fl. oz. gin
• 1/2 fl. oz. limoncello

In a mixing glass or cocktail shaker, gently muddle the thyme with the lime juice. Add the gin and limoncello and fill the shaker with ice. Stir well. Strain into a chilled rocks glass filled with fresh ice, garnish with thyme, and serve. Makes 1 cocktail

Blackberry and Basil Gin and Tonics

Tags

adult, basil, beverage, blackberry, cocktail, gin, lemon, tonic

I love a good gin based cocktail. Most every bartender can make a basic Tom Collins without screwing it up too bad. Which is good for you on dollar well drink nights at your local watering hole. This cocktail is a little more mature than those watered down cheapies. It’s perfect for those who love herbs or gin or citrus.

Blackberry and Basil Gin and Tonics (a variation of this recipe)

• 12 blackberries
• 12 basil leaves, torn
• 2 lemons
• 1/4 cup simple syrup
• 12 ounces gin
• Tonic water
• Ice

Set out four high ball glasses. Place 3 blackberries, 3 basil leaves, juice of ½ lemon, and 1 tablespoon simple syrup in each glass and muddle together. Fill each glass with ice, followed by 3 ounces of gin. Top off each drink with tonic water, stir and serve. Makes 4 drinks.