One of the very best parts of summer is the bounty of fresh herbs that can transform our cooking. You don’t need many plants to have a major impact. Though I know plenty of folks who love the variety of many different types of basil, thyme, or whatever herb hooks them, this year, we only have one plant each this year of thyme, basil, oregano, sage, savory, dill, and sorrel. (Though I usually plant lots of basil, so there’s enough for pesto on any given day.)
Did I forget rosemary? Absolutely not.
Ah, rosemary. I’m always transported to a forest with the fragrance, which reminds me a little of pine needles.
And since it’s Friday, here’s a refreshing drink that includes this delicious herb.
One of my very favorite drinks, the St. Snowfall, has the name of a winter drink. I first had it at my friend Lori Ann’s Christmas party several years ago, where she and her husband served this up with a few other signature cocktails, always with her special and unique twist or enhancement. I think hers may have had to do with infusing the simple syrup, but I digress.
With its combination of fresh rosemary and lavender bitters, and the secret ingredient, Terroir gin, it brings to life the refreshing, cool, crispness of the forest, but in a glass. There are many terrific gins out there — like the Botanist, which is high on my list — but Terroir, to my taste, is both subtly flavorful and incredibly smooth, and the only one that works in this drink. (And no, I’m not getting any compensation from either company.)
Here is the original recipe on St. George’s website. I’ve modified it slightly for my own preferences and aesthetic — I go a little heavier on the lavender bitters and don’t do all the shaking and straining. Enjoy responsibly!
Modified St. Snowfall
2 oz. St. George Terroir Gin
Several dashes of lavender bitters
3/4 oz. fresh lemon juice
3/4 oz. simple syrup
Sparkling water, seltzer or soda water
A few sprigs of rosemary. Rub or crush one a little to release the fragrance even more.
Combine first four ingredients. Stir and add the crushed rosemary sprig, fill with ice. Top with 1 oz. of the water. Garnish with a sprig or two of fresh rosemary.
