Mocktails and Cocktails from 2 Gals Cocktails
My grown son is now in his own condo and this collection of recipes I called, Dearest Michael were written when he was younger as you will see by my references, as a gift to him for this very moment.
Whether you read them for the story or the recipe, know that they were written as a tribute to the many people who have influenced my kitchen, my cooking and my notion of family.
STORY
HAPPY FATHER'S DAY TO ALL OF THE DADS OUT THERE WHO DO THEIR BEST FOR THEIR FAMILIES. YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE.
Last month my team and I hosted our first Flower Power Event. We learned how to make flower arrangements in mason jars with Denise, the talented flower Goddess of C+R Mercantile and we enjoyed watching how to use flowers and herbs to make interesting cocktails or mocktails by 2 Gals Cocktails, a dynamic duet of delight with owners, Sandra and Michele.
What a night. Not just because the drinks and flowers were so magical, but because the gathering of like minded women just enjoyed being out on a random Thursday evening creating and being in each others company. Creating.
There are many different ways to access our creative juices. Art, nature, writing, cooking are only a few. What I have learned about myself these past few years, stemming from the need for perpetual reinvention, is that when my creative spirit is dormant, so am I.
I had forgotten how much physically, spiritually, and mentally I need to create.
Stirring my personal cauldron for a dynamic idea is what makes my being light up in a most fulfilling way.
When I watched Denise and Sandra present their own cauldrons to the guests, I saw sparks come to life;
I realized that one of my life’s drivers is to be a conduit for that spark.
What is your driver? What makes you light up with enthusiastic creative joy?
Whether you drinking alcohol or not drinking alcohol, these recipes will satisfy. In preparation for July 4th speeding towards us especially those who live here in Bristol, RI, with their permission, I am sharing some of 2 Gals cocktail recipes.
These make for some perfect after the beach drinks that summer invites with its own enthusiasm.
I don’t usually like my drinks sweet, but once I tried 2 Gals, wow. You can purchase their mix with alcohol or without. I tend to use it as a splash over my own vodka.
ENJOY!
Look at these beautiful cocktails! How fun to serve them for parties all ready to go on a fun tray.
*Because I make some product recommendations in my blogs, I may get a small commission as an affiliate and or an Amazon affiliate. Anything I recommend I personally use. I want to make it easier to shop for items you may not have, need to replace-- or if you are a lover of all things kitchen like me, just want to add to your collection.
I came across these fabulous insulated BRISTOL THEMED cocktail holders, perfect for the 4th! at one of my favorite new shops on THAMES ST., FENWICK AND OLIVER in Bristol, RI. They have an online store too, but try to make it in there, because Lisa and Don have some delightful treasures and lots of beautiful handmade wooden items by Don too.
Delicious Cocktails or Mocktails
Whether you are drinking alcohol or not drinking alcohol, these recipes will satisfy. In preparation for July 4th speeding towards us especially those who live here in Bristol, RI, with their permission, I am sharing some of 2 Gals cocktail recipes.
These make for some perfect after the beach drinks that summer invites with its own enthusiasm.
Enjoy!
RECIPES
FROM 2 GALS COCKTAILS, Thank you to Sandra and Michele for giving me permission to share!
All drinks can be made with the liquor you prefer, for me it is always vodka, but experiment. So fun. Simple sugar recipe below.
EMPRESS 1908 GIN AND LAVENDER LEMONADE
Empress gin is a robust and happy purple making this drink like a piece of art.
- 2 ounces Empress Gin (This gin is purple which makes this drink like a piece of art)
- 1 ounce Lavender Simple Syrup
- 2 ounces of Fresh Lemonade
- Thin Slices of lemon for garnish
- Fresh Lavender sprigs for garnish
Option 1: Mix all ingredients together and pour over ice
Option 2: Layer by pouring Lemonade into glass, then layer the gin followed by the Lavender Simple Syrup. Do not shake, add lavender sprigs.
*alayne’s tip: if you want to save some time, you can make a recipe for Lavender Lemonade and omit the simple sugar recipe. -
Lavender Sugar for rimming the glass
PEAR AND ELDERBERRY COCKTAIL
- 2 ounces Grey Goose La Poire
- 1/2 ounce Elderflower Liquor
- 1 egg white (optional- the egg white adds this delightful froth to the drinnk, if you are raw egg squeamish or don't buy local eggs, feel free to omit this)
- 1 ounce fresh lemon juice
-
1/2 ounce Simple Syrup
Mix everything together in a cocktail shaker and our over ice
Rim the glass with lemon zest and sugar for a pop of color
HOT HONEY MARGARITA
- 2 ounces Milagro Tequila
- 1/2 ounce Orange Liquor
- 1 ounce fresh lime juice
- 1/2 ounce Hot Honey (Mike’s Hot Honey is delicious or you can make it yourself, honey, tabasco and cayenne pepper)
- 1 t. Tajin seasonings
Add first 4 ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake vigorously for 30-45 seconds.
Rim 1/2 glass with Tajin seasoning
Pour into rocks glass and enjoy
* When Sandra made this, she also added some sliced jalapeño (seedless or with seeds depending on your heat tolerance)
TO MOCKTAIL THESE, Just leave out the liquor and add extra of the non alcohol. Instead of the orange liquor, use orange fresh squeezed orange juice.
Here is a great alternative to Elderflower liquor, this Elderflower sparkling water is a great alternative to Elderflower liquor.
WHAT TO COOK WITH
- A good cocktail shaker and strainer
- a juicer
- great glasses that make you happy
HOW TO MAKE SIMPLE SUGAR and some other tricks.
SIMPLE SUGAR BASE RECIPE (this recipe can be cut in half too, you can also use less sugar if you don’t want to use as much).
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
Combine sugar and water in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil, stirring, until sugar has dissolved.
Allow to cool.
Pour into clean jar and seal with a tight fitting lid.
This will store in the fridge for up to one month.
I have recently tried it with honey to cut back on the potency of the white sugar and it has worked nicely. I just play with the flavor a bit.
Start with a cup of water and add 1/4 C honey to start. If it is sweet enough, stop there or add more.
Now that you have the base, you can add your fun and sometimes unusual ingredients.
I love adding fresh basil and lavender.
Lemon thyme and rosemary is nice too. Just add while the simple syrup is cooking the strain it out after it cools.
If you want to have a few different jars of infused simple syrup then just make make smaller batches in a few smaller pans, jar in little jars and label your magic potions. They can always be ready for a lovely after your day cocktail or mocktail.
By now you are probably hearing the theme here, PLAY. Food and drinks is art and it can bring out your creative force which opens up a part of you that is a necessary element in life. FUN, CREATIVITY, EXPLORATION.
Lastly, if you are opposed to adding sugary anything to your drinks, here is a great alternative.
Whatever you want to add for flavor, just throw into a pitcher of water instead, cover and place in the sunshine for a day. Basil, lavender, mint, thyme, rose petals, the infused water is delicious and is a nice addition too. You could make ice cubes with the infused water too!
All of the liquor options can be exchanged for the type you like too. Even some bubbly is a nice option on occasion.
So many options, so little time.
SHOPPING IDEAS
Oxo products are always consistant in their quality. I like this oxo cocktail shaker because it says leakproof and they mean it.
I have always found these juice squeezers to be the best at juicing lemons and limes. Imagine my surprise when I came across turquoise as an option!
Mike's Hot Honey is a great staple to use for so much cooking. Buy it local if you can, so many places sell this.
Elderflower water with some fizz makes for a delicious mocktail alternative to this otherwise liquor laden cocktail.
