Lavender Gin Paloma

Recipe by Tasha Corradini

2 oz. gin (such as Dripping Springs)

1 oz. fresh grapefruit

½ oz. fresh lime

½ lavender simple syrup

2 oz. club soda (optional) Ice

GARNISH

Lavender sprig

Grapefruit wedge

PREPARATION parties, school groups, garden club gatherings and more. The Karns family has made it a truly special place that they love to share with others. doeremilavender.com

Add all ingredients except club soda to a cocktail mixing glass. Stir and strain into glass. Top with club soda and add fresh ice cubes. Garnish with a grapefruit wedge and a sprig of lavender.

Tasha Brieger Corradini, Blanco Chamber of Commerce president, had been working at Hill Country Lavender since she was 16. Founder Robb Kendrick convinced her to buy the farm when she was still in college, in 2005. She thought it’d be a fun, temporary thing until interest in lavender waned, which it never did. Instead, Blanco became the Lavender Capital of Texas and is host to the annual Blanco Lavender Festival each June. For a fun-filled weekend, the downtown square comes alive with music, shopping, beer, wine and food, and special events take place out at the farm. Visitors are welcome at the farm any time they’re open to cut lavender when it’s blooming or to just enjoy a picnic among the plants.

While breathing in the plant’s aroma or cooking with lavender are the best DIY uses, Hill Country Lavender distills the buds to create the essential oil that is the key ingredient for their bevy of products — from soaps and aromatherapy sticks to bug sprays and dog shampoos — all handmade by Corradini’s husband RG and available at the farm’s shop and on their website. Also on their website, you’ll find enticing cocktail photos and recipes, all created by Corradini too.

hillcountrylavender.com

LAVENDER SIMPLE SYRUP

1c. sugar

1c. water

2T. culinary lavender

PREPARATION

In a small saucepan, combine water and sugar and bring to a light simmer. Stir until sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat and stir in lavender. Allow to cool to room temperature. Strain to remove lavender and set syrup aside to cool. Keep refrigerated until needed.

For more recipes, visit hillcountrylavender.com/recipes. Writer and editor Ashley Brown lives in Wimberley with her family of rescues: a dog, two cats, and two donkeys. In addition to animal welfare, her passion is exploring the Hill Country's natural beauty, small farms, eateries and drinkeries.