MUDDLED & SHAKEN
Raspberry Mint Julep
5small mint leaves plus sprig for garnish
1-1/2teaspoons simple syrup
2ounces bourbon whiskey such as Woodford Reserve (1/4 cup)
In cocktail shaker or glass, muddle raspberries, mint leaves and simple syrup. Add bourbon; stir well and strain into a julep or cocktail glass filled with ice. Garnish with mint sprig and raspberries.
Garden 2 Glass
2sprigs tarragon plus sprig for garnish
1tablespoon simple syrup
2ounces gin such as Hendricks (1/4 cup)
1-1/2tablespoons fresh lime juice
In cocktail shaker or glass, muddle strawberries, tarragon and simple syrup. Add ice, gin and lime juice; shake and strain into coupe or sparkling wine glass. Garnish with tarragon sprig and strawberries.
BB Collins (Blueberry & Basil)
3basil leaves plus sprig for garnish
1tablespoon simple syrup
2ounces vodka (1/4 cup)
1-1/2tablespoons fresh lemon juice
3ounces PICS club soda (3 cup)
In cocktail shaker or glass, muddle blueberries, basil and simple syrup. Add ice, vodka and lemon juice; shake and strain into Collins or tall, narrow glass filled with ice. Top off with club soda; garnish with basil leaf and blueberries.
Chef Tips:
To muddle the drinks, use a muddler – a long stick similar to a pestle used to mash fruits, herbs and spices in the bottom of a cocktail shaker or glass.
To make simple syrup, stir a 1:1 ratio of sugar to water in a small saucepan (i.e., 1 cup sugar to 1 cup water). Heat the sugar mixture just to boiling, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until the mixture is clear; do not stir.