Cocktailing in Spring: Fun, Fresh, & Functioning By: Casey Deyton
Photos: PR Spring offers an amazing opportunity for your cocktails to be the most. The most fun and the most inventive. Your local farmers market is what it’s all about. Whether Dekalb Farmers market is your tried and true staple, or you prefer to peruse the stalls of the Piedmont Park Green Market, either way, using some fresh herbs and fruits in your next round of cocktails will confirm what your friends have known all along, you’re a little bit touched. Touched by Persephone herself that is. Here is a simple little rhyme to help you remember cocktails at springtime, “Fun and fresh should fill your spring glass, if not, each sip you take will taste like ass.” (Thanks Mom) That might sound alluring to some, but on the whole, you want a light and enjoyable cocktail for those long day drinking sessions. This season is about truly enjoying time with your friends-as a functioning adult not messy little Becky passed out in the corner.
Ginger Syrup ¾ cup ginger, peeled and thinly sliced 1 cup of sugar 1 cup of water Bring ginger, sugar and water to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until sugar is dissolved. Let simmer for 30 min. then strain. Let cool to room temperature.
20 | 04.18.18
Recently returned from a short jaunt to the mountains, I found a cocktail that would make even Crystal Gayle raise her glass, the Coal Miner’s Daughter. It’s a perfect cocktail for transitioning from cooler to warmer weather, a weekly flip of the coin in Atlanta. It blends bourbon, fresh lemon, local honey, lavender and one my favorite ingredients, ginger syrup. I suppose since were using ginger syrup we could call it Soul Miner’s Daughter, funny how a little sugar and new name can give something a country twang. (Right, Ms. Nettles?) Coal Miner’s Daughter 1 ½ oz Bourbon 1 tsp Ginger Syrup ¾ oz Fresh Lemon Juice ¾ oz Honey 1 Sprig of Lavender Add all ingredients to a shaker with ice. Shake and strain over fresh ice into an Old Fashioned glass. Garnish with slapped lavender sprig.